Inhibition of inflammatory lipid mediators

ABSTRACT

Coenzyme A-independent transacylase is required for the release of free arachidonic acid, and the production of arachidonic acid metabolites and platelet activation factor. Blocking of this enzyme inhibits the production of these inflammatory mediators and will be of therapeutic utility in a broad range of allergic and inflammatory diseases and disorders. Compounds are described herein which inhibit the action of CoA-IT and are therefore useful in the treatment of disease states caused thereby.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the area of inflammatory mediators. The invention is based on the discovery that blocking a key enzyme responsible for arachidonate movement (or remodelling), Coenzyme A-independent transacylase (CoA-IT), inhibits the production of lipid mediators (free arachidonic acid, arachidonic acid metabolites, and platelet-activating factor (PAF)). It has been discovered that CoA-IT is required for the release of free arachidonic acid and the synthesis of arachidonic acid metabolites and PAF. As CoA-IT is involved in arachidonate phospholipid metabolism, and required for the release of free arachidonaic acid and the production of eicosanoids and PAF, inhibition of such would be useful for the treatment of disease states caused thereby.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An early event in the response of most inflammatory cells to immunologic activation and other stimuli is the release of newly formed products (mediators) which alter the function and biochemistry of surrounding cells and tissues. The ensuing biological responses, as well as much of the pathogenesis which is attributed to inflammation and allergy, are thought to be dependent on the effects that these newly-formed. mediators have on adjacent cells within the inflammatory region.

In the last 20 years, it has become apparent that lipid mediators are among the most potent and important products which are generated during inflammatory reactions. The synthesis of most lipid mediators is initiated by the cleavage of complex phospholipid molecules which contain arachidonate at their sn-2 position. Free arachidonic acid is released from these phospholipids and this represents the rate-limiting step in the formation of eicosanoids (leukotrienes, prostaglandins and thromboxanes). As arachidonic acid is released, it is then converted to oxygenated derivatives by at least two enzymatic systems (lipoxygenase and/or cyclooxygenase). Concomitant with arachidonate release, lysophospholipids are formed. One of these lyso phospholipids, 1-alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, is then acetylated to form platelet-activating factor (PAF). Each of the cell types involved in the inflammatory response produce and secrete a unique subset of lipid mediators. The quantities and nature of the metabolites depend on which enzymes and precursor phospholipid pools are available to inflammatory cells.

Once lipid mediators such as PAF and eicosanoids are formed by the aforementioned pathways, they induce signs and symptoms observed in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory disorders. Indeed, the pathophysiological activity of arachidonic acid (and its metabolites) is well. known to those skilled in the art. For example, these mediators have been implicated as having an important role in allergy, asthma, anaphylaxis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, reperfusion injury, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, endotoxic shock, and cardiovascular disease. Aalmon and Higgs [Br. Med. Bull (1978) 43:285-296]; Piper et al. [Ann. NY Acad. Sci. (1991) 629:112-119]; Holtzman [Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. (1991) 143:188-203]. Snyder (Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.) (1990) 259:C697-C708]; Prescott et al. [J. Biol. Chem. (1990) 265:17381-17384].

Similar to arachidonato products, PAF is a potent proinflammatory mediator produced by a variety of cells. In vitro, PAF stimulates the movement and aggregation of neutrophils and the release therefrom of tissue-damaging enzymes and oxygen radicals. PAF has also been implicated in activation of leukocytes, monocytes, and macrophages. These activities contribute to the actions of PAF as having (pathological) physiological activity in inflammatory and allergic responses. PAF has also been implicated in smooth muscle contraction, pain, edema, hypotensive action, increases in vascular permeability, cardiovascular disorders, asthma, lung edema, endotoxin shock, and adult respiratory distress syndrome. PAF elicits these responses either directly through its own cellular receptor(s) or indirectly by inducing the synthesis of other mediators.

Accordingly, a method which antagonises the production of free arachidonic acid, its metabolites or PAF will have clinical utility in the treatment of a variety of allergic, inflammatory and hypersecretory conditions such as asthma, arthritis, rhinitis, bronchitis and urticaria, as well as reperfusion injury and other disease involving lipid mediators of inflammation.

Many published patent applications or issued US patents exist which describe various compounds having utility as PAF or Eicosanoid antagonists. Such patents include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,788,205, 4,801,598, 4,981,860, 4,992,455, 4,983,592, 5,011,847, 5,019,581 and 5,002,941.

Described in this application is a method to inhibit the generation of lipid mediators. As mentioned above, arachidonate-containing phospholipids are the key precursors for a broad range of lipid mediators including arachidonic acid, eicosanoids and PAF. Because of the special role arachidonate-containing phospholipids have in mediator generation, inflammatory cells treat these phospholipids differently than other fatty acid-containing phospholipids. In particular, there are enzymes which control the amount of arachidonate in different phospholipid pools and these enzymes are tightly regulated to maintain arachidonate homeostasis. The movement of arachidonate into and from all phospholipids was originally thought to be exclusively by CoA- dependent acyl transferase activitites. Holub et al., Adv. Lipid Res., 16:1-125 (1978); Lands et al., In The Enzymes of Biological Membranes, ed. Martonosi, A., pp. 3-85, Plenum Press, NY, 1976. However, it has now been demonstrated that an enzyme, CoA-IT, is involved in the movment of arachidonate into particular (1-alkyl- and 1-alkenyl) phospholipid pools. These are the phospholipid pools of arachidonate that are preferentially mobilized during cell activation. Moreover, arachidonic acid and lyso-PAF released from these pools are utilized for eicosanoid and PAF, respectively.

CoA-IT has a specificity for certain phospholipids as donor and acceptor molecules. The fatty acid transferred is long chained and unsaturated, and almost exclusively arachidonate. Other fatty acids such as the 16:0, 18:1 or 18:2 are not apparently moved into alkyl and 1-alkenyl phospholipid pools by CoA-IT. The specificity of COA-IT is in direct contrast to many other CoA-dependent acylation activities which acylate a wide variety of lysophospholipids with no selectivity for arachidonate.

Accordingly, a method by which CoA-IT is inhibited will consequently and preferentially decrease the arachidonate content of 1-alkyl- and 1-alkenyl-linked phospholipids and will therefore decrease the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as free arachidonic acid, leukotriene and PAF during an inflammatory response. Accordingly, a method by which CoA-IT is inhibited, will have clinical utility in the treatment of allergic, inflammatory and hypersecretory conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a method of treating or reducing allergy and inflammation. It is also an object of this invention to inhibit undesirable lipid mediator production.

This invention is based on the discovery that blocking CoA-independent transacylase, using selective pharmacologic tools, prevents the movement of arachidonate into phospholipid pools needed for the concomitant formation of PAF, free arachidonic acid and its metabolites such as eicosanoids.

The invention relates to a method of treating disease or disorders mediated by free arachidonic acid, its metabolites and/or PAF by administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective amount of a compound which inhibits the production, activation or action of CoA-IT. Inhibition of CoA-IT inhibits lipid mediator production as well as signs and symptoms of disease and disorders inducedby lipid mediators.

The premise of this invention is that blocking the movement of arachidonate into specific arachidonate-containing phospholipid pools inhibits lipid mediator (PAF and eicosanoid) production by inflammatory cells. More precisely, when arachidonate is prevented from entering key common precursor phospholipids, precursor molecules will not be formed. If key precursor pools are not formed, arachidonate cannot be removed from these precursors. This means that free arachidonic acid and lyso PAF will be not be mobilized and therefore PAF as well as eicosanoids will not be produced. The end result of CoA-IT inhibition will be reduced signs and symptoms of allergy and inflammation mediated by eicosanoids and PAF.

Still another aspect of the invention relates to a method of screening chemical compounds for potential anti-inflammatory action. In this way, chemical compounds can be rapidly and easily screened for the ability to inhibit CoA-IT and be useful .as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the therapeutic use, in medicine, of the compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions, as disclosed herein, in particular for compounds of Formulas (I) to (VI), as inhibitors of CoA-IT activity. As CoA-IT activity is required for the release of lipid inflammatory mediators, such as arachidonic acid and the production of platolet-activiating factor, by inflammatory cells and that inhibition of the production, activation or activity of CoA-IT will have beneficial and therapeutic effect the compounds of the present invention, as described herein, which are inhibitors of CoA-IT are useful in the treatment of disease states caused thereby.

Treatment of disease states caused by these lipid inflammatory mediators i.e., arachidonate, eicosanoids and PAF, include certain cardiovascular disorders such as but not limited to, myocardial infarction, stroke, circulatory shock, or hypotension, ischemia, reperfusion injury, inflammatory diseases such as, but not limited to, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, respiratory disease such as but not limited to, asthm_(a), or adult respiratory distress syndrome, analphylaxis, shock. such as but not limited to endotoxic shock, topical disesases, such as but not limited to actinic keratosis, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis, or pyresis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings contain the following figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates the Role of CoA--Independent Transacylase in Arachidonic Acid and Platelet-Activating Factor Metabolism.

FIG. 2 illustrates the effects of the compound of Example 3, Diethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-imidazol-1-yl)heptane-phosphonate on CoA-IT activity.

FIG. 3 illustrates the effects of the compound of Example 3, Diethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-imidazol-1-yl)heptane-phosphonate which produce a concentration-dependent blockade in the movement of [³ H]arachidonate into 1-ether-linked phospholipids, 1-alkyl PC and 1-alkenyl PE.

FIG. 4 illustrates the effects of the compound of Example 3, Diethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-imidazol-1-yl)heptane-phosphonate which induced a concentration-dependent loss of arachidonate from all major phospholipid classes of the mast cell. In contrast, there was no loss in the mass of 18:0, 18:1, 18:2 from PI, PE and PC in response to Compound 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates the effects of the compound of Example 3, Diethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-imidazol-1-yl)heptane-phosphonate on inhibition of the production of PAF in human neutrophils.

FIG. 6 illustrates the effects of the compound of Example 3, Diethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-imidazol-1-yl)heptane-phosphonate on inhibition of free arachidonic acid release in a concentration dependent fashion.

FIG. 7 illustrates the in vivo anti-inflammatory responses of the compound of Example 3, Diethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-imidazol-1-yl)heptane-phosphonate in the mouse ear by the topical application of a pro-inflammatory agent, 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It has now been discovered that CoA-IT activity is required for lipid mediator production. Specifically, it has been discovered that CoA-IT activity is required for the movement of arachidonate into phospholipid pools from which it can be released to form free arachidonic acid and for the production of lyso PAF needed for PAF synthesis. Further, CoA-IT has been shown to be crucial in the mobilization of lyso-PAF and free arachidonic acid during inflammatory cell activation. Inhibition of CoA-IT activity will result in a decreased production of PAF and a decreased release of free arachidonic acid from cellular phospholipids.

More specficially, FIG. 1 shows a simplified scheme of how arachidonic acid is directed through phospholipids of inflammatory cells. As arachidonic acid enters inflammatory cells or is produced within these cells, it is converted to arachidonoyl-CoA by the enzyme arachidonoyl CoA synthetase. At that point, arachidonic acid is incorporated into the sn-2 position of a lyso phospholipid by arachidonoyI- CoA acyl transferase. The arachidonate-containing phospholipids formed in this reaction appear to belong to a spedal group or pool (pool A) of phospholipids which contains predominantly 1-acyl-linkages at the sn-1 position of the molecule. When cells are not stimulated, arachidonic acid is slowly transferred from this first pool to other pools (pool B) of phospholipids which contain predominantly 1-alkyl and 1-alk-1-enyl linkages at the sn-1 position and phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine linkages at the sn-3 position of phospholipids. This transfer into other pools of AA-containing phospholipids is accomplished by the enzyme CoA-IT.

During inflammatory cell stimulation, there is a calcium-dependent activation of an enzyme phospholipase A2 which removes arachidonic acid from arachidonate-containing phospholipids which are predominantly in the second (1-alkyl and 1-alk-1-enyl) pool (pool B). Arachidonic add and lyso phospholipids formed in this reaction become key intermediates for eico sanoid generation and platelet activating factor generation, respectively. In particular, one of these arachidonate-containing phospholipids in pool B, 1-alkyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, is a common precursor for arachidonate and platelet-activating factor. During inflammatory cell activation, arachidonic add is rapidly depleted from phospholipids in pool B. As these pools are depleted by the action of phospholipase A₂, they are rapidly replenished by CoA-IT. It is our discovery that the movement of arachidonate into special pools mediated by CoA-IT is required for lipid mediator production and that the blockage of CoA-IT will inhibit lipid mediator production. This will have beneficial therapeutic effects for diseases mediated, in some part, by eicosanoids and platelet-activating factor.

1. Characteristics of CoA-IT Activity

CoA-IT activity had been defined to have the following characteristics.

A. Co-factors

CoA-IT activity is independent of the presence of Coenzyme A. In addition, no other co-factors required for activity or that modulate activity have been discovered. CoA-IT activity is not altered by the absence or presence of calcinm (0-10 mM), magnesium (0-10 mM), EGTA (0-2 mM), EDTA (0-10 mM), ATP, CoA or CoA-fatty acids.

B. pH

CoA-IT activity over a wide range of pH levels was determined. The results demonstrate that the enzyme is active over a broad pH range of 6.5 - 9. The activity of the enzyme rapidly decreases below. pH 6.5 and above pH 10.

C. Kinetics

The kinetics of the CoA-IT reaction were studied with various concentrations of 1-alkyl-2-lyso-GPC. CoA-IT activity increases as a function of the concentration of substrate, 1-alkyl-2-lyso-GPC. The enzyme exhibits an apparent substrate affinity (K_(m)) for 1-alkyl-2-lyso-GPC of 0.1-2 μM.

D. Other Characteristics

CoA-IT is stable when treated with dithiothreitol (DTT) or 2-mercaptoethanol (1-10 mM). CoA-IT is inactivated by exposure to heat or acid and is inhibited by addition of detergents such as 3-octyl glucoside, deoxycholate, cholate, Triton X-100, C12E8, CHAPS and hexadecyl-trimethyl ammonium bromide.

E. Specificity

A key characteristic of CoA-IT is the exquisite specificity of this enzyme for polyunsaturated fatty acids and especially arachidouic acid. Sugiura et al. (J. Biol. Chem. (1987) 262:1199-1205); Chilton et al. (J Biol. Chem. (1983) 258:7268-7271); Kramer and Deykin (J. Biol. Chem. (183) 258:13806-13811).

F. Location

Within the cell, CoA-IT activity is completely and tightly associated with microsomal membranes. Treatment of these membranes with 2M KCl fails to extract more than 75% of the CoA-IT activity, suggesting that CoA-IT is an integral membrane component. The subcellular location of CoA-IT activity remains to be determined.

Evidence of CoA-IT activity exists in a variety of inflammatory cells, including human neutrophils, monocytes, lung mast cells, guinea pig eosinophils and human U937 monocytic and HL-60 granuloeyte cells lines. There is also preliminary evidence that somewhat less CoA-IT activity is found in tissues such as lung, liver and kidney. Less activity yet is found in heart, skeletal muscle and brain.

G. Comgarison with other enzymes

CoA-IT has characteristics which distinguish its activity from the activities of other enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, such as phospholipase A₂, lypoxygenases, cyclooxygenases, CoA-dependent acyltransferases and PAF acetyl transferase.

These differences include different co-factor requirements, location within cells, effects of detergents on activity, effects of heat or acid treatment, stability to reducing agents such as dithiothreitol (DTT) and selectivity for arachidonate-containing substrates. The following Table, Table I, summarizes these differences in characteristics between CoA-IT and other enzymes.

                  TABLE I                                                          ______________________________________                                         Comparison of CoA-IT to other enzymes                                          ______________________________________                                         Property                                                                               CoA-IT    Pan.PLA.sub.2                                                                            LMW PLA.sub.2                                                                           HMW PLA.sub.2                             ______________________________________                                         Co-factors                                                                             None      Ca.sup.2+ Ca.sup.2+                                                                               Ca.sup.2+                                 Location                                                                               membrane  extracellular                                                                            extracellular                                                                           cytosol                                   Detergent                                                                              inhibition                                                                               stimulation                                                                              inhibition                                                                              stimulation                               Heat/Acid                                                                              unstable  stable    stable   unstable                                  DTT     no effect inhibition                                                                               inhibition                                                                              no effect                                 AA Sel  yes       no        no       yes                                       ______________________________________                                         Property                                                                               CoA-IT    CoA-D     AcetylTase                                                                              AcetylHy                                  ______________________________________                                         Co-factors                                                                             None      CoA       Ca.sup.2+ /A-CoA                                                                        none                                      Location                                                                               membrane  membrane  membrane cyto/LDL                                  Detergent                                                                              inhibition                                                                               mixed     no effect                                                                               mixed                                     Heat/Acid                                                                              unstable  --        --       stable                                    DTT     no effect no effect no effect                                                                               inhibition                                AA Sel  yes       no        no       no                                        ______________________________________                                         Property CoA-IT      CO         5LO                                            ______________________________________                                         Co-factors                                                                              None        peroxide   peroxide                                       Location membrane    membrane   cyto-memb                                      Detergent                                                                               inhibition  no effect  --                                             Heat/Acid                                                                               unstable    unstable   unstable                                       DTT      no effect   --         no effect                                      AA Sel   yes         yes        yes                                            ______________________________________                                          Key to Table I:                                                                Pan. Pancreatic                                                                LDL low density lipoprotein                                                    CoAD CoAdependant acyltransferase                                              AcetylTase AcetylCoA transferase                                               -- no data available                                                           LMW low molecular weight                                                       HMW high molecular weight                                                      cyto cytosol                                                                   Ca.sup.2+ calcium                                                              CO cyclooxygenase                                                              5LO 5lipoxygenase                                                              DTT dithiotheritol                                                             ACoA AceticCoA                                                                 AA Sel Arachidonic acid selectivity                                      

This distinction of CoA-IT from the other enzymes based on characteristics is important for several reasons. First, the data indicate that CoA-IT activity is a novel enzyme activity. Second, even though a microsomal preparation is used to assess CoA-IT activity, the distinct characteristics of CoA-IT assure that the assays measure only CoA-IT activity. Finally, the characteristics of CoA-IT demonstrate that the pharmacological utility of inhibition of CoA-IT is unique.

2. CoA-IT inhibition

Inhibitors of CoA-IT activity have now been discovered and characterized. Suitable inhibitors can readily be identified employing assay (a) described below. For example, FIG. 2 shows the effect of compound 3 on CoA-IT activity. Often, inhibitors will include an imidazole structure.

3. Role of CoA-IT in PAF Production and AA Release

The molecule 1-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC has been shown to be a necessary precursor for PAF production (Chilton et al., J. Biol. Chem. (1984) 259, 12014-12020). CoA-IT activity plays two pivotal roles in PAF production, centering on this molecule. First, CoA-IT activity is required for the specific movement of arachidonate into 1-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC to produce the necessary precursor molecule for PAF. Second, CoA-IT activity has been shown to promote the breakdown of the precursor of PAF, 1-alkyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC into lyso PAF, to allow PAF production. This CoA-IT mediated production to lyso PAY can be differentiated from PLA₂ activity. CoA-IT activity plays a central and necessary role in the production of PAF.

There is strong evidence that, in activated inflammatory cells, arachidonate is released from specific phospholipid pools. For example, in neutrophils and mast cells the primary source of free arachidonic acid is 1-alkenyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPE. As shown in FIG. 1, CoA-IT activity, due to its unique properties, can replenish this pool with arachidonate to allow and maintain the release of free arachidonic acid. It has now been discovered that CobIT activity is necessary and essential for the release of free arachidonic acid and the subsequent formation of bioactive lipid mediators.

To further demonstrate the utility of inhibiting CoA-IT, the compound of Example 3 was shown to inhibit the production of PAF (assay c) and the release of free arachidonic acid (assay b) from human neutrophils. The method of synthesis of this compound and its structural formula is set forth below. This compound inhibited PAF production (FIG. 3) and free arachidonic acid release (FIG. 4) completely and in a concentration dependent fashion. The specificity for inhibition of CoA-IT activity for these compounds and not the activity of other enzymes, such as PLA2 and PAF acetyl transferase, has been demonstrated. These data demonstrate that inhibition of CoA-IT can and will inhibit the production of PAF and the release of free arachidonic acid.

4. Role of CoA-IT in Inflammatory Responses in vivo

The ability of compounds that inhibit CoA-IT to affect in vivo inflammatory responses was assessed. Mammatory responses were induced in the mouse ear by the topical application of a pro-inflammatory agent, such as 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate. This produced an edematous response, as measured by increases in ear thickness, as well as increased inflammatory cellular inflltrate, as measured by increases in myeloperoxidase activity as described in the methods. Application of compounds that inhibit CoA-IT had an anti-inflammatory effect, as demonstrated for compound 3 in FIG. 5. This proven anti-inflammatory effect is predictive of therapeutic usefulness in a wide variety of inflammatory diseases and conditions.

5. Assays

(a) Assay for CoA-IT Activity

The following is a method to measure CoAoIT activity and the effects of compounds on CoA-IT activity. The assay is based upon mixing cellular material containing CoA-IT activity with a stable lyso phospholipid such as 1-alkyl-2-acyl-GPC and measuring the production of phospholipid product such as 1-alkyl-2-acyl-GPC occurring in the absence of added CoA or CoA-fatty acids.

Cell Preparation

Any inflammatory cell that contains high levels of CoA-IT activity can be used, such as neutrophils, macrophages or cell lines such as U937 cells. U937 cells were obtained from American Type Culture Collection and grown in RPMI-1640 media (Gibco, Grand Island, N.Y.) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (Hyclone, Logan, UT) at 37° C., 5% CO₂. Cells were grown without differentiation (basal state) by any agent, such as dimethyl sulfoxide. As used herein, "inflammatory cells" include, but are not limited to neutrophils, macrophages, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells.

Microsomal Preparation

Microsomes were prepared using standard techniques. In this case, cells were washed with a buffer of 250 mM sucrose, 10 mM Tris, 1 mM EGTA, I mM MgC1₁₂, pH 7.4 and ruptured by N₂ cavitation (750 psi, 10 minutes). The ruptured cells were centrifuged 1000 X g, 5 minutes. The resulting supernatant was centrifuged at 20,000 X g, ≈20 minutes. Microsomes were prepared from this superuatant by centrifugation at 100,000 x g, 60 minutes. The resulting pellet was washed once with assay buffer (150 mM NaCl, 10 mM Na₂ KPO₄,1 mM EGTA, pH 7.4), recentrifuged and the pellet resuspended in assay buffer (4-20 mg protein/ml) and was stored at -80° C. until assayed.

CoA-IT Activity

CoA-IT activity was measured in 1.5 ml centrifuge tubes in a total volume of 100 ul. Microsomes were diluted in assay buffer to the desired protein concentration (6-20 ug/tube). The reaction was initiated by addition of [3H ]l -alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (GPC) (≈0.1 uCi/tube) and 1 μM final cold l -alkyl-2-lyso-GPC in assay buffer with 0.25 mg/ml fatty add-poor bovine serumalbumin (BSA) (Calbiochem, La Jolla, Calif.). [3H]1-alkyl-2-lyso-GPC, approximately 50 Ci/mmol, was from NEN-Dupont (Boston, Mass.) and cold l-alkyl-2-lyso-GPC was from Biomol (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.). Microsomes were pretreated with desired agents for the desired time (10 minutes) before the addition of [3H]1-alkyl-2-lyso-GPC. The reaction was run for the desired time (10 minutes) at 37° C. The reaction was stopped and the lipids extracted by addition of 100 ul of chloroform:methanol (1:2, v/v) followed by 100 ul of chloroform and 100 ul of 1M KCI. The samples were vortexed and centrifuged at high speed in a microfuge for 2-3 minutes. An aliquot of the chlorofom-extracted materials were separated, usually by TLC in chloroform/methanol/acetic add/water (50:25:8:4, v/v), visualized by radioscanning (Bioscan) and the product, [3H ]l -alkyl-2-acyl-GPC, was scraped and quantified by liquid scintillation spectroscopy. With this TLC system, the synthetic standards of l-alkyl-2-lyso-GPC and l-alkyl-2-acyl-GPC were well separated, with Rfvalues of approximately 0.25 and 0.65, respectively.

Protein concentration were assessed using the protein assay reagents from Bio-Rad (Richmond, Calif.).

Results

A variety of compounds have been tested in this assay to determine its selectivity and inability to detect trivial, non-selective inhibitors. Inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and cyclooxygenase (CO), such as indomethicin, naproxen, 6-(4'-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-2,3-dihydroimidzo-[2,1-b]thiazole and 6-(4'-Fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)2,3-dihydroimidzo-[2,1-b]thiazole-dioxide had no effect on CoA-IT activity at concentrations up to 100 μM. The anti-oxidant BHT also has no effect at concentrations up to 100 μM. Compounds which complex with phospholipids and inhibit PLA₂ activity, such as quinacrine and aristolochic acid have no effect on CoA-IT activity at concentrations up to 500 μM. Doxepine, a compound reported to inhibit PAF release did not inhibit CoA-IT at concentrations up to 100 μM. Sodiumdiclofenac, reported to decrease leukotriene production by altering arachidonic acid metabolism, had no effect on CoA-IT activity at concentrations up to 500 μM. These results show that the assay for CoA-IT activity is sensitive and selective.

Representative compounds which inhibit CoA-IT activity in a microsomal CoA-IT assay (assay a) at 50 μM are: 1. Ethyl 6-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)hexanoate 2. Sodium 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimldazol-1-yl)-heptanesulphone 3. Diethyl 7-(3-4-5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2-3-dihydroimidazol-l-yl)heptane phosphonate 4. 8-(1,4,5,-Triphenylimidazol-2-yl-oxy)octanoic acid 5. 8-(2-3-Diphenylmaleimido)octanic acid 6. 11-(2,3-Diphenylmaleimido)undecanoic acid 7. Ethyl 3-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)propionate 8. Ethyl 5-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)valerate 9. Ethyl 5-(1,4-5-triphenylimidazol-l-yl-oxy)valerate 10. 2-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenyloxazole 11. Ethyl-6-(3-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl-hexanoate 12. Ethyl-8-(4,5-diphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)octanoate 13. 8-[1-(1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-yl-oxy)]octanoic acid, ammonium salt 14. 1-(7-Methoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole 15. 8-(1,4,5-Triphenyl]midazol-2-yl-oxy)-octanamide 16. 1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-3-4-triphenylimidazole 17. 8-(4,5-Diphenylimidazol-2-yl-thio)octanoic acid 18. 9-[1-(3,4,5-Triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazolyl)]nonanoic acid 19. 2-(9-Hydroxynonyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole 20. Diethyl 7-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yl-oxy)heptane phosphanate 21. 1-(6-EthoxycarbonylhexyI)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole 22. Ethyl 8-(4,5-Diphenylimidazol-l-yl)octanoate 23. 11-(3,4,5-Triphenyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)undecanoic acid 24. 7-(3,4,5-TriphenyI-2-oxo-l,2-dihydroimidazol-l-yl)heptanitrile 25. 7-(3,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-l-yl-oxy)heptanitrile 26. 1-(6-Carboxyhexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole 27. 2-(6-Carboxyheptyl)-4-5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole 28. 1-(8-Bromooctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-l,2,3-triazole 29. 1-(8-Carboxyoctyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole 30. Ethyl [7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)methyl phosphonate 31. 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethyl-8-(4,5-diphenylimidazol-l-yl)octanoate 32. 1-(8-Cyanooctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole 33. 1-(7 Carboxyheptyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole 34. 1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole 35. Methyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2 oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)-5-heptynoate 36. 2-Benzyl-1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole 37. Ethyl 8-(phenanthro[9,10-d)imidazol-1-yl)octanoate 38. 1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole 39. Ethyl 7-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)heptane methylphosphinate 40. 2-[4-(3-Carboxypropoxy)phenyl]-4,5 diphenylimidazole 41. 1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-4,5,-bis(2-chlorophenyl)-2-phenylimidazole 42. 1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodophenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole 43. 1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-phenyl-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)imidazole 44. 1-(10-CarboxydecyI)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole 45. 1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-phenylimidazole 46. 1-(7-Ethoxycarbonyl)-4-phenylimidazole 47. 8-(3,4-Diphonylpyrazol-l-yl)octanoic add 48. 1-(8-carboxy-8,8-dimethyloctyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole 49. 1-(7 Carboxyheptyl)-2-octylthio-4,5-diphenylimidazole 50. 4-[4-(2,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-1-yl)butyloxy]benzoic acid 51. 1-(Carboxyheptyl)-2-heptyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole 52. 1-(7-(5-Tetrazolyl)heptyl]-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole 53. Sodium 7-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazole-1-yl)heptane sulphonate 54. 2-[5-(1,3-dioxalan-2-yl )pentylthio]-1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole 56. 7-(2,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-l-yl)heptane phosphonic acid

(b) Arachidonic Acid Release Assay

Preparation of human neutrophils

Human neutrophils were obtained in the laboratory using three different methods. One method used leukophoresis packs from normal humans and neutrophils were isolated using the histopaque-1077 technique. The blood was centrifuged at 300×g for 10 minutes. The cell pellets were resuspended in PBS composed of 137 mM NaCI, 8.8 mM Na2HPO4, 1.5 mM KH2PO4, 2.7 mM KCI (Dulbecco's Gibco Laboratories, Long Island, N.Y.) and layered over histopaque-1077 (Sigma, St. Louis, Miss.). The pellets were collected after centrifugation (300×g for 30 minutes) and washed once in PBS. The cell pellets were exposed briefly to clionized water to Iyse any erythrocytes. The remaining cells were collected by centrifugation, suspended in PBS, counted and identified after cyospinning and staining. The final leukocyte preparation was of greater than 95% purity and viability.

The second method isolated human neutrophils from fresh heparinized normal blood using the Histopaque-1077 technique. The blood was layered over Histopaque-1077 (Sigma, St. Louis Miss.) and centrifuged at 400×g for 30 minutes. The cell pellets were resuspended in 35 ml of PBS and 12 ml of 6% Dextran, followed by Dextran sedimentation at room temperature for 45 minutes. The upper layer was collected and further centrifugated for 10 minutes at 1000 rpm. The ceil pellets were exposed briefly to deionized water to lyse erythrocytes. The remaining cells were collected by centrifugation, suspended in PBS, counted and identified after cytospinning and staining. The final leukocyte preparation was of greater than 95% purity and viability.

The third method isolated human neutrophils from freshly drawn heparinized normal blood using the Percoil technique. The blood was first treated with 6% Dextran at room temperature for a 1 hour sedmination. The upper layers of plasma were collected and centrifuged at 400×g for 10 minutes. The cell pellets were resuspended in Percoil 1.070 g/ml supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serumand layered on discontinuous gradients (1.080, 1.085, 1.090,1.095 g/ml) followed by centrifugation at 400×g for 45 minutes. The neutrophils were collected from interfaces of 1;080 and 1.085 and the 1.085 and 1.090 Percoil densities, followed by a centrifugation at 400×g for 45 minutes. The neutrophils were suspended in PBS, counted and identified after cytospinning and staining. The final leukocyte preparation was of greater than 95% purity and viability.

There was no difference noted in the response of the neutrophils nor in the effects of test compounds in neutrophils isolated by the three different techniques.

Treatment of human neutrophils

Neutrophils were suspended in PBS with 1 mM Ca²⁺ and 1.1 mM Mg²⁺ at concentrations of 5 to 20×106 cells per ml. Cells were added to test tubes and treated with the desired compounds for 5 to 10 minutes, then challenged with calcium ionophere A23187, 2 μM, or vehicle control, PBS containing 0.25-1 mg/ml BSA. After 5 to 20 minutes, the reactions were terminated by addition of an equal volume of chloroform:methanol (1:2, v/v) to the samples. [² H₈ ]Arachidonic acid (50, 100 or 200 ng) was added as an internal standard and the lipids were extracted by addition of equal volumes of chloroform and distilled water. The samples were vortexed and centrifuged at high speed and the chloroform layer removed to a clean tube.

Assay for free arachidonic acid

The chloroform extract for each simple was evaporated to dryness and the material resuspended in hexane. The hexane was passed through a Silica solid phase column (500 mg), washed 2× with hexane and a fatty acid enriched fraction eluted with hexane:ethyl ether (1:1, v/v). Solvents were removed from the samples under a stream of nitrogen then the samples were converted to pentafluorobenzyl esters using pentafluorobenzyl bromide and diisopropylethylamine in acetronitrile. Solvents were removed and samples were suspended in hexane. GC/MS analysis was performed on a suitable instrμMent, such as a Finnigan MAT TSQ 700 GC/MS/MS/DS (San Jose, Calif.) operated as a single stage quadruple system or a Hewlett-Packard 5890 with a 5989A M5 system. The peaks corresponding to arachidonic acid and [² H₈ ]Arachidonic acid were identified and the areas of those peaks compared and the released arachidonic acid calculated as ng of arachidonic acid for each sample.

Protein concentrations were assessed using the protein assay reagents from Bio-Rad (Richmond, Calif.).

(c) Assay for Production of Platelet-Activating Factor (PAF)

Preparation of Human Neutrophils

Blood was obtained from normal h-roans and neutrophils were isolated as described for the arachidonic acid release assay, above. The final leukocyte preparation was of greater than 95% purity and viability.

Treatment of Human Neutrophils

Neutrophils were suspended in PBS at concentrations of 5 to 20×10⁶ cells per ml. Cells were added to test tubes and treated with the desired compounds for 5 to 10 minutes, then challenged with calci-m ionophore A23187, 2 μM and 20-30 μCi of [3H]acetic acid (NEN-Dupont, Boston, Mass.), or the vehicle of PBS with 0.25-1 mg/ml of the. After 5 to 20 minutes, the reactions were terminated by addition of an equal volume of chloroform:methanol (1:2, v/v) to the samples and the lipids were extracted by addition of equal volumes of chloroform and distilled water. The samples were vortexed and centrifuged at high speed and the chloroform layer removed to a clean tube.

Assay for PAF

The chloroform from each tube was evaporated to dryness and the material suspended in a small vol-me of chloroform or chloroform:methanol (25-100 μl) and the total material spotted on a Silica TLC plate. The plates were developed in chloroform/methanol/acetic acid/water (50:25:8:4, v/v) visualized by radioscanning (Bioscan) and the product, [3H]PAF, was scraped and quantified by liquid scintillation spectroscopy. With this TLC system, the Rf value for a synthetic standard of PAF was approximately 0.33.

(d) Assay (Method) for TPA-induced Inflammation Animals

Male Balb/c inbred mice were obtained from Charle River Breeding Laboratories (Kingston, N.Y.). Within a single experiment mice (22-25g) were age-matched. These in vivo experiments typically involved use of 5-6 animals/group.

TPA-Induced Inflammation

TPA (12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate) (Sigma Chemical Company) in acetone (4 μg/20μl) was applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the left ear of BALB/c male mice. The thickness of both ears was then measured with a dial micrometer (Mitutoyo, Japan) at both 2 and 4 hours after treatment, and the data expressed as the change in thickness (10⁻³ cm) between treated and untreated ears. The application of acetone did not cause an edematous response; therefore, the difference in ear thickness represented the response to the TPA. After measuring the edema, the infismmed left ears were removed and stored at -70° C. until they were assayed for MPO (myeloperoxidase) activity where appropriate.

Assay of Myeloperoxidase (MPO) in Inflamed Ear Tissue

On the day of the assay, partially thawed ear tissues were minced and then homogenized (10% w/v) with a Tiss,,mizer homogenizer (Tellmar Co.) in 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 6) containing 0.5% HTAB. The tissue homogenates were taken through three cycles of freeze-thaw, followed by brief sonication (10 sec). The method ofBradiey et al. was used With modifications as described. The appearance of a colored product from the MPO-dependent reaction of o-dianisidine (0.167 mg/ml; Sigma) and hydrogen peroxide (0.0005%; Sigma) was measured spectrophotometrically at 460 nm, Supernatant MPO activity was quantified kinetically (change in absorbance measured over 3 rain, sampled at 15-sec intervals) using a Beckman DU-7 spectrophotometer and a Kinetics Analysis package (Beckman Instruments, Inc.). One unit of MPO activity is defined as that degrading one micromole of peroxide per minute at 25° C.

Statistics

Statistical analysis was done using Student's "t" test. The ED₃₅ and ED50 are values which caused a 35% and 50% (respectively) inhibition of the inflammatory response and were calculated by regression analysis of the dose response data.

The compound of Example 3 demonstrated a positive inhibition in this animal model demonstrating a dear utility in the treatment of topically administered dieases associated with inflammation as noted herein such as, but not limited to, inflammatory bowel disease, contact dermatoses, actinic keratosis, psoriasis, or conjuctivitis.

Alternatively, a dosage of 50 μM/kg per os dose may be administered to the animals and the assay conducted accordingly. A positive in vivo response would similarly be indicative for use in disease states which require systemic treatments, as described herein, such as, but not limited to, asthma, adult respiratory distress syndrome or allergic responses.

6. Assay for Screening Chemical Comnounds for Potential Anti-Inflammatory Action

An assay method for determining the inhibitory activity of compounds for CoA-IT and the inhibition of PAF and free arachidonic acid production is also encompassed by the invention. The method comprises (1) measuring the inhibition of the CoA-independent acylation of lysophospholipids in broken ceil preparations of said compounds; (2) measuring the inhibition of PAF production in activated inflammatory cells of said compounds; and/or (3) measuring the inhibition of free arachidonic acid release in activated inflammatory cells of said compounds. The activity of the compound is determined by inhibition of at least 20% of the activities of CoA-IT, PAF or free arachidonic acid release. This assay method provides a means wherein chemical compounds can be easily screened for CoA-IT inhibiting activity.

As used herein, various abbreviations and explanations are as follows: [³ H], a molecule that contains tritium atoms, a radioactive isotope; A23187, a compound that allows free entry of calcium into a ceil; AA, arachidonic acid; arachidonate, arachidonic acid contained within a phospholipid; free arachidonic acid, arachidonic acid that is not contained within a phospholipid; [² H₈ ]arachidonic acid, the form of arachidonic acid labeled with 8 deuterium atoms, a stable isotope; 1-alkyl, 1-O-alkyl; 1-alkenyl, 1-O-alk-1'-enyl; BSA, bovine serum albumin; CoA, coenzyme A; CoA-IT, CoA-independent transacylase; DTT, dithiothreitol; EGTA, [ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetra acetic acid, a calcium chelator; GPC, sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine; EDTA, a metal ion chelator; GPE, sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamlne; GC/MS, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry; 5HETE, 5(S)-hydroxyeicosa-6,8,11,14-tetraenoic acid; 15HETE, 15(S)-hydroxyeicosa-5,8,11,13-tetraenoic acid; HL-60, American Type Tissue Culture designated cell line similar to a monocyte; LTB₄, leukotriene B₄ ; LTC₄, leukotriene C₄ ; LTD₄, leukotriene D₄ ; lyso PAF, 1-alkyl-2-lyso-GPC, lyso platelet-activating factor; PLA₂, phospholipase A₂ ; PBS, phosphate buffered saline; PAP, platelet activating factor, 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-GPC; PL, phospholipid; PC, phosphatidylcholine; PE, phosphatidylethanolamine, PI, phosphatidylinositol; PMN, polymorphonudear neutrophilic cell, neutrophil; PS phosphatidylserine; Rf, the distance a compound travels as a fraction of the solvent front; TLC, thin layer chromatography; U937, American Type Tissue Culture designated cell line similar to a monocyte.

Compounds

Illustrative of compounds useful in this inventions are the compounds of Formulas (I) to (VI), as noted below. Compounds which are also useful in the instant invention and which do not specifically fall within any of the structures herein are further described below. Another invention is the pharmaceutical compositions for use herein comprising the compounds as noted herein, and in particular the pharmacuetical compositions comprising a compounds of Formulas (I) to (VI), or a pharmacuetically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmacuetically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Compounds of Formula (I) are represented by the structure: ##STR1## wherein

R₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

n is an integer having a value of 4 to 12;

X is 5-tetrazolyl, SO₃ H, P(O)(OR₂)₂, P(O)(OH)₂, or P(O)(R₂)(OR₂);

R₂ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₃ is independently C₁₋₄ alkyl, halo substitued C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, hydroxy or C₁₋₄ alkoxy;

m is an integer having a value of 1 to 3;

q is an integer having a value of 1 to 3; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Suitably, R₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl. Preferably R₁ is optionally substituted phenyl; most preferably an unsubstituted phenyl.

Suitably, n is 4 to 12; preferably n is 4 to 8, most preferably n is 6 or 7.

Suitably m and p are 1 to 3, preferably 1.

Suitably, X is 5-tetrazolyl, SO₃ H, P(O)(OR₂)₂, P(O)(OH)₂, or P(O)(R₂)(OR₂) in which R₂ is independently a C₁₋₄ alkyl group. Preferably X is P(OXOEt)₂ or P(O)(Me)(OEt).

Suitable R₃ substituents include, for example, 1 to 3 groups which may be the same or different and are selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl, such as methyl or ethyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl such as CF₃, halogen, such as F or Cl, hydroxy and C₁₋₄ alkoxy, such as methoxy. Preferably R₃ is hydrogen.

Suitable heteroaryl groups include, for example, saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6-membered rings comprising I to 3 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur.

Preferably such rings include, for example, thienyl and furyl rings.

Compounds of structure (I) include:

1. Diethyl-7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane phosphonate;

2. Ethyl-7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)methyl-phosphinate

3. 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane phosphonic aicd;

4. Sodium 7-(3,4,5-triphenyI-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane sulphonate;

5. Diisopropyl-7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane phosphonate;

6. Dimethyl-7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane phosphonate;

7. Diethyl-6-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)hexane phosphonate; or

8. Diethyl-8-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)octane phosphonate.

A preferred compound of Formula (I) is 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)-heptanephosphonate.

Another aspect of the present invention is the novel compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions of Formula (I) which are: Diisopropyl-7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane phosphonate;

Dimethyl-7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane phosphonate;

Diethyl-6-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1 -yl)hexane phosphonate;

Diethyl-8-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)octane phosphonate; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereoff

The compounds of structure (I) can be prepared using procedures analogous to those known in the art. The present invention therefore provides in a further aspect a process for the preparation of compounds of structure (I) in which X is other than 5-tetrazolyl which comprises reaction of a compound of structure (Ia): ##STR2##

in which

R₁, R₃, m, n, and p are as described for structure (I) and L is a leaving group, with a suitable source of the group X; and optionally thereafter formiug a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Compounds of structure (I) in which X is 5-tetrazolyl, can be prepared from compounds of structure (Ia) by standard techniques, for example, when L is bromine, by reaction with sodinto cyanide in a suitable solvent such as dimethylsulphoxide, to form the intermediate compound in which L is cyano; followed by reaction with tri-n-butyl tin azide in, for example, tetrahydrofuran to form the desired compound of structure (I).

Suitable leaving groups L will be apparent to those skilled in the art and include, for example, halogen, such as bromine.

Suitable sources of the group X will again be apparent to those skilled in the art and include, for example, where X is SO₃ Na, sodium sulphite.

The reaction between the compounds of structure (Ia) and the source of X is carried out in a solvent at elevated temperature. Preferably, for example where X is SO₃ Na the reaction is carried out in aqueous ethanol at reflux temperature for a suitable period to allow the reaction to go to completion; and where X is a phosphorus containing group the reaction is carried out in an organic solvent such as toluene or xylene.

The compounds of structure (Ia) can be prepared from compounds of structure (Ib): ##STR3##

in which

R₁, R₃, m, n, and p are as described for structure (I) by reaction with, for example, a compound of formula L¹ (CH₂)_(n) L, in which L and L¹ are suitable leaving groups, in the presence of a base such as potassium carbonate and a suitable solvent such as butanone. Suitable groups L are as described for structure (Ia). Suitable groups L¹ will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and include halogen, in particular bromine.

Compounds of structure (Ib) are known or can be prepared by standard techniques.

The compounds of Examples 1 to 8 found in the Synthetic Chemistry section serve to illustrate the preparation of compounds representative of structure (I).

Compounds of Formula (II) are represented by the structure ##STR4##

wherein

R is hydrogen, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, SC₁₋₈ alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl, phenyI C₁₋₄ alkyl in which the phenyl group is optionally substituted, C₁₋₆ alkylCHO or C₁₋₆ alkylCH(OR¹)(OR²)in which each group R¹ and R² is C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together form an ethane 1,2-diyl or propane 1,3-diyl group;

n is 2 to 6 and mis 0 to 6;

R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

AB is a single bond, --CH═CH--, --S--, S-phenyl or O-phenyl;

X is CO₂ H or a group hydrolysable to CO₂ H, 5-tetrazolyl, SO₃ H, P(O)(OR)₂, P(O)(OH)₂, or P(O)(R)(OR) in which R is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R⁷ is independently selected fromhydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, hydroxy, or C₁₋₄ alkoxy;

p is an integer having a value of 1 to 3;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

provided that:

a) when X is 5-tetrazolyl, R⁷ is hydrogen, R is phenyl, and AB is a bond, then n+m are equal to a number greater than 6;

b) when X is CO₂ H, AB is a bond, n+m is equal to 7, and (R7)p is the same and is hydrogen, then R is not hydrogen;

c) when X is CO₂ H, AB is a bond, n+m is equal to 7, and (R7)p is the same and is hydrogen, then R is not alkyl or hydrogen;

d) when X is CO₂ H, AB is a bond, n+m is equal to 7, and (R7)p is the same and is 4-hydroxy, then R is not phenyl;

e) when X is CO₂ H, AB is a bond, n+m is equal to 7, and (R7)p is the same and is 4-Methoxy or is 4-hydroxy, then R is not hydrogen;

f) when X is CO₂ H, AB is a bond, n+m is equal to 7, and (R7)p is the same and is 2-chloro, then R is not hydrogen;

g) when (R7)p is the same and is hydrogen, R is phenyl, n is 4, m is 0, and AB is O-phenyl then X is not CO₂ -C₁₋₆ alkyl;

h) when R is hydrogen, (R⁷)p is the same and is hydrogen, AB is a bond, n+m is equal to 7, than X is not CH₃ O--(C₂)₂ --O-(CH₂)₂ --O--C(O)--;

i) when X is CO₂ -C₁₋₆ alkyl, AB is a bond, n+m is equal to 7, and (R⁷)p is the same and is hydrogen, then R is not phenyl or 4-methoxyphenyl;

j) when X is CO₂ -C₁₋₆ alkyl, AB is a bond, n+m is equal to 7, and (R⁷)p is the same and is 4-bromo or 4-methoxy, then R is not hydrogen;

k) when X is CO₂ -C₁₋₆ alkyl, AB is a bond, n+m is equal to 7, and (R⁷)p is the same and is hydrogen, then R is not 2-(4-methoxybenzyl);

l) when (R⁷)p is the same and is hydrogen, R is phenyl, AB is a bond n+m is equal to 10, then X is not CO₂ -C₁₋₆ alkyl;

m) when (R⁷)p is the same and is hydrogen, R is phenyl, n is 4, m is 0 and AB is O-phenyl, then X is not CO₂ -C₁₋₆ alkyl;

n) when AB is --S--, n is 5 or 6, and m is 1 then X is CO₂ H;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Suitably, p is 1 to 3, and R⁷ is independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl, such as CF₃, halogen, hydroxy or C₁₋₄ alkoxy. Preferably R⁷ is hydrogen.

Suitably, R is hydrogen, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, SC₁₋₈ alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl, phenyl C₁₋₄ alkyl in which the phenyl group is optionally substituted, C₁₋₆ alkylCHO or C₁₋₆ alkylCH(OR¹)(OR²) in which each group R¹ and R² is C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together form an ethane 1,2-diyl or propane 1,3-diyl group.

Preferably R is C₁₋₄ alkyl or optionally substituted phenyl. When R is an optionally substituted phenyl the substituents include, for example, 1 to 3 groups which may be the same or different and are selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl, such as CF₃, halogen, hydroxy and C₁₋₄ alkoxy.

Suitably, n and m together are 4 to 12, preferably 4 to 8, and most preferably 6 or 7.

Suitably, R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are the same or different and are each hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl. Preferably, R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are the same and are each hydrogen.

Suitably, AB is a single bond, --CH═CH--, S-phenyl or O-phenyl. Preferably, AB is a single bond.

Suitably, X is CO₂ H or a group hydrolysable to CO₂ H, 5-tetrazolyl, SO₃ H, P(O)(OR)₂, P(O)(OH)₂, or P(O)(R)(OR) in which R is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl. Preferably X is CO₂ H, a group hydrolysable to CO₂ H or 5-tetrazolyl.

Suitable heteroaryl groups include, for example, saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6-membered rings comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur. Preferably such rings include, for example, thienyl and furyl rings.

Suitable groups X, hydrolysable to CO₂ H include for example, nitriles, amides and ester groups. Examples of ester groups are C₁₋₆ alkyl esters and optionally substituted benzyl esters. Particular ester groups include mono-C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl groups such as ethoxycarbonyl and methoxycarbonyl, and tri-C₁₋₄ alkoxy carbonyl groups such as methoxyethoxyethoxy carbonyl groups (CH₃ O(CH₂)₂ O(CH₂)₂ O--C(O)--).

Compounds of Formula (IX) include:

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(7-C arboxyheptyl )-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Methoxycarbonylheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(6-Ethoxycarbonylhexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(6-Carboxyhexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(8-Carboxyoctyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(10-Carboxydecyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-[7-(5-Tetrazolylheptyl]-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

2-(2-Methoxyethoxy) ethyl-8-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazol-1-yl )octanoate;

Ethyl 8-(4,5-diphenylimidazol-1-yl)octanoate;

8-(4,5-Diphenyl-imidazol-1-yl)octanoic acid;

2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethyl-8-(4,5-diphenylimidazole-1-yl)octanoate;

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl )-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-(4-hydroxyo3,5-diiodophenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

2-Benzyl-1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

2-Benzyl-1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-[4-octyloxyphenyl]-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-[4-octyloxyphenyl]-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-octylthio-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2octylthio-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-bis-4-hydroxyphenyl)-imidazole;

4,5-Bis(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(7-ethoxycarbonyl-heptyl )imidazole;

4,5-Bis(2-chloro-phenyl)-1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-phenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-phenylimidazole;

1-(7-Ethoxy-carbonylheptyl)-4,5-bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2-phenylimidazole;

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-heptyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-heptyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

7-(1,2,4-Triphenylimidazolyl)-hept-5-ynoic acid;

9-(1,2,4-Triphenylimidazolyl)-2,2-dimethylnonanoic acid;

4-[4-(2,4,5-Triphenylimidazolyl)butyloxy]benzoic acid;

7- (2,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-1-yl )heptanesulphonate;

Sodium 7-(2,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-1-yl)heptanesulphonate;

7-(2,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-1-yl)heptanephosphonate;

7-(2,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-1-yl)heptanephosphonic acid;

Ethyl 8-(phenanthro[9.10-d]imidazol-1-yl)octanoate; or

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-(5-[1,3-dioxalan-2-yl]pentylthio)-4,5-diphenyl imidazole.

Preferred compounds of Formula (II) include:

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-heptyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-(5-Tetrazolylheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(10-Carboxydecyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

4-[4-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazolyl)butyloxy]benzoic acid;

9-(1,2,4-tri-phenylimidazolyl)-2,2-dimethylnonanoic acid;

1-(8-Carboxyoctyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxy-heptyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodophenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

Ethyl 8-(4,5-diphenylimidazol-1-yl)octanoate;

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonyl-heptyl)-2-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(6-ethoxy-carbonylhexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(6-carboxyhexyl)-2,4,5 -triphenylimidazole;

2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl 8-(4,5-diphenylimidazole-1-yl)octanoate;

1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

2-benzyl-1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis(2-chloro-phenyl)-2-phenylimidazole;

1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2-phenylimidazole;

7-(2,4,5-tri-phenylimidazol-1-yl )heptane- sulphonate;

7-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazol-1-yl)heptanephosphonic acid; or

Ethyl 8-(phenanthrimidazol-1-yl)octanoate.

More preferred compounds of Formula (II) are:

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-heptyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-(5-Tetrazolylheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(10-Carboxydecyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

4-[4-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazolyl)butyloxy]benzoic acid;

9-(1,2,4-tri-phenylimidazolyl)-2,2-dimethylnonanoic acid;

1-(8-Carboxyoctyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxy-heptyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodophenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

Ethyl 8-(4,5-diphenylimidazol-1-yl)octanoate;

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonyl-heptyl)-2-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole; or

1-(7-Carboxy-heptyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole.

Most preferred compounds of Formula (II) are:

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-heptyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-(5-Tetrazolylheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole; or

1-(10-Carboxydecyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole.

The compounds of structure (II) can be prepared using procedures analogous to those known in the art. The present invention therefore provides in a further aspect a process for the preparation of compounds of structure (II) which comprises:

(a) for compounds other than those in which X is 5-tetrazolyl, reaction of a compound of structure (IIa): ##STR5##

in which Ar, R, R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, AB, n, p, and m are as described for structure (II) and L is a leaving group, with a suitable source of the group X;

(b) reaction of a compound of structure (IIb): ##STR6##

in which R and R⁷ are as described for structure (II) with a compound of structure (IIc):

    L(CR.sup.3 R.sup.4).sub.n AB(CR.sup.5 R.sup.6).sub.m X     (IIc)

in which R³, R⁴, R⁵ R⁶, AB, n, m and X are as described for structure (II) and L is a leaving group; or

(c) for compounds in which A is other than a bond or --CH═CH--, reaction of a compound of structure (IId): ##STR7##

in which Ar, R, R³, R⁴ , R7,and n are as described for structure (II) and L is a leaving group, with a compound of structure (IIe):

    L'A.sup.1 B.sup.1 (CR.sup.5 R.sup.6).sub.m X               (IIe)

in which A¹ B¹ is --C.tbd.C--, S, O, SPh or OPh, R⁵, R⁶, m and X are as described for structure (II) and L' is hydrogen or a metal;

(d) for compounds in which X is 5-tetrazolyl reaction of a compound of structure (IIa) in which L is CN, with tri-n-butyl tin azide, and optionally thereafter converting one group X into another group X, and optionally forming a salt.

Suitable leaving groups L will be apparent to those skilled in the art and include, for example, halogen, such as bromine, and sulphonic acid derivatives such as tosylate and mesylate.

Suitable metals include, for example, alkali metals such as sodium or lithium.

Suitable sources of the group X will again be apparent to those skilled in the art and include, for example, where X is SO₃ Na, sodium sulphite.

The reaction between the compounds of structure (IIa) and the source of X is carried out in a solvent at elevated temperature. Preferably, for example where X is SO₃ Na the reaction is carried out in aqueous ethanol at reflux temperature for a suitable period to allow the reaction to go to completion; and where X is a phosphorus containing group the reaction is carried out in an organic solvent such as toluene or xylene.

The reaction between compounds of structure (IIb) and structure (IIc) can be carried out in an organic solvent in the presence of a base, at a temperature of between ambient and the reflux temperature of the solvent used. Suitable solvents include, for example, C₁₋₄ alkanols such as methanol or ethanol, dimethyl formarnide and butanone, and suitable bases include, for example, potassium carbonate, sodinto hydroxide and sodium hydride.

The reaction between compounds of structure (IId) and structure (IIe) is carried out in a suitable solvent in the presence of a base at a temperature of between ambient and the reflux temperature of the solvent used.

Suitable solvents and reagents include, for example, potassium carbonate as the base in butanone as solvent, and sodium in methanol as a solvent.

Compounds of structure (II) in which X is 5-tetrazolyl, can be prepared from compounds of structure (IIa) by standard techniques, for example, when L is bromine, by reaction with sodium cyanide in a suitable solvent such as dimethylsulphoxide, to form the intermediate compound in which L is cyano;. followed by reaction with tri-n-butyl tin azide in, for example, tetrahydrofuran to form the desired compound of structure (II).

The intermediate compounds of structures (IIa), (IIb), (IIc), (IId) and (IIe) are known or can be prepared by standard techniques.

Examples 9 to 49 found in the synthetic chemistry section serve to illustrate the preparation of compounds representative of structure (II).

The compounds of Formula (III) are represented by the structure ##STR8## wherein

R¹ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

n is 4 to 12;

Y is oxygen or sulfur;

X is 5-tetrazolyl, cyano, SO₃ H, P(O)(OR₂)₂, P(O)(OH)₂, or P(O)(R₂)(OR₂);

R₂ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R₃ is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, halo substitued C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, hydroxy or C₁₋₄ alkoxy;

m is an integer having a value of 1 to 3;

q is an integer having a value of 1 to 3;

provided that when X is cyano, R1 is an optionally substituted phenyl;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Suitably, R₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl. Preferably R₁ is optionally substituted phenyl; most preferably an unsubstituted phenyl.

Suitably, n is 4 to 12; preferably n is 4 to 8, most preferably n is 6 or 7.

Suitably Y is oxygen or sulphur; preferably Y is oxygen.

Suitably m and p are 1 to 3, preferably 1.

Suitably, X is 5-tetrazolyl, SO₃ H, P(O)(OR₂)₂, P(O)(OH)₂, or P(O)(R₂)(OR₂) in which R₂ is independently a C₁₋₄ alkyl group. Preferably X is P(O) (OEt)2 or P(O)(Me)(OEt).

Suitable R₃ substituents include, for example, 1 to 3 groups which may be the same or different and are selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl, such as methyl or ethyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl such as CF₃, halogen, such as F or Cl, hydroxy and C₁₋₄ alkoxy, such as methoxy.

Suitable heteroaryl groups include, for example, saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6-membered rings comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur.

Preferably such rings include, for example, thienyl and furyl rings.

Compounds of structure (III) include:

Sodium 6-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)hexanesulphonate;

Sodium 7-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)heptanesulphonate;

7-(1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-yl-oxy)heptanemethylphosphinate;

7-(1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-yl-oxy)heptanephosphonate;

Ethyl-7-(1,4,5-triphenyl-imidazol-2-yl-oxy)heptane methylphosphinate;

Diethyl-7-(1,4,5-triphenyl-imidazol-2-yl-oxy)heptane phosphonate; and

7-(3,4,5-Triphenylimidazol- 1-yl-oxy)heptanitrile.

Preferred compounds of Formula (III) include:

Ethyl-7-(1,4,5-triphenyI-imidazol-2-yl-oxy)heptane methylphosphinate; and

Diethyl-7-(1,4,5-triphenyl-imidazol-2-yl-oxy)heptane phosphonate.

The compounds of structure (III) can be prepared using procedures analogous to those known in the art. The present invention therefore provides in a further aspect a process for the preparation of compounds of structure (III) in which X is other than 5-tetrazolyl which comprises reaction of a compound of structure (IIIa): ##STR9##

in which

R₁, R₃, m, n, and p are as described for structure (III) and L is a leaving group, with a suitable source of the group X; and optionally thereafter forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Compounds of structure (III) in which X is 5-tetrazolyl, can be prepared from compounds of structure (IIIa) by standard techniques, for example, when L is bromine, by reaction with sodinto cyanide in a suitable solvent such as dimethylsulphoxide, to form the intermediate compound in which L is cyano; followed by reaction with tri-n-butyl tin azide in, for example, tetrahydrofuran to form the desired compound of structure (III).

Suitable leaving groups L will be apparent to those skilled in the art and include, for example, halogen, such as bromine.

Suitable sources of the group X will again be apparent to those skilled in the art and include, for example, where X is SO₃ Na, sodium sulphite.

The reaction between the compounds of structure (IIIa) and the source of X is carried out in a solvent at elevated temperature. Preferably, for example where X is SO₃ Na the reaction is carried out in aqueous ethanol at reflux temperature for a suitable period to allow the reaction to go to completion; and where X is a phosphorus containing group the reaction is carried out in an organic solvent such as toluene or xylene.

The compounds of structure (IIIa) can be prepared from compounds of structure (IIIb): ##STR10##

in which

R₁, R₃, Y, m, n, and p are as described for structure (III) by reaction with, for example, a compound of formula L¹ (CH₂)_(n) L, in which L and L¹ are suitable leaving groups, in the presence of a base such as potassium carbonate and a suitable solvent such as butanone. Suitable groups L are as described for structure (IIIa). Suitable groups L¹ will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and include halogen, in particular bromine.

Compounds of structure (IIIb) are known or can be prepared by standard techniques.

Examples 50 to 55 found in the synthetic chemistry section serve to illustrate the preparation of compounds represented by structure (III).

The compounds of Formula (IV) are represented by the structure ##STR11## wherein

X is nitrogen or CR¹

R¹ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

Y is nitrogen, N(CH₂)_(n) A or C(CH₂)_(n) A

Z is nitrogen, oxygen or N(CH₂)_(n) A', and the dotted line indicates the optional presence of a double bond so as to form a fully unsaturated heterocyclic ring;

n is 4 to 12;

A is CO₂ H or a group hydrolysable to CO₂ H, OH, Br, Cyano, 5-tetrazolyl, SO₃ H, P(O)(OR)₂, P(OXOH)₂, or P(OXR)(OR) in which R is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

A' is CO₂ H or a group hydrolysable to CO₂ H, 5-tetrazolyl, SO₃ H, P(O)(OR)₂, P(OXOH)₂, or P(O)(R)(OR) in which R is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R² is independently C₁₋₄ alkyl, halo substitued C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, hydroxy or C₁₋₄ alkoxy;

m is a number having a value of 1 to 3; provided that

a) X, Y and Z are not all at the same time, nitrogen;

b) when X is CR¹, Y and Z are not both nitrogen;

c) when Y is N(CH₂)_(n) A, Z is nitrogen; and

d) when Z is oxygen, Y is C(CH₂)_(n) A;

e) when Y is N(CH₂)_(n) A, X and Z are nitrogen, (R₂)m is the same and is hydrogen, and n is 6, 7, or 8 then X is not --CO_(2--C) ₁₋₆ alkyl;

f) when Z is oxygen, Y is C(CH₂)_(n) A, n is 8, and (R₂)m is the same and is hydrogen, then X is not cyano;

g) when Z is N(CH₂)_(n) A', X is nitrogen, Y is nitrogen, (R₂)m is the same and is hydrogen, and n is 7, then X is not CO₂ H;

h) when Y is N(CH₂)_(n) A, X and Z are nitrogen, (R₂)_(m) is the same and is hydrogen, and n is 8 then X is not cyano; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Suitably, X is nitrogen or CR^(1p) ; preferably X is nitrogen.

Suitably, Y is nitrogen, N(CH₂)_(n) A or C(CH₂)_(n) A; preferably, Y is nitrogen or N(CH₂)_(n) A; most preferably Y is N(CH₂)_(n) A.

Suitably, Z is nitrogen, N(CH₂)_(n) A or oxygen; preferably Z is nitrogen or N(CH₂)_(n) A; most preferably Z is nitrogen.

Suitably, n is 4 to 12, preferably 4 to 8 and most preferably 7 or 8.

Suitably, A is CO₂ H or a group hydrolysable to CO₂ H, OH, Br, cyano, 5-tetrazolyl, SO₃ H, P(O)(OR)₂, P(O)(OH)₂, or P(O)(R)(OR) in which R is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; preferably A is CO₂ H or a group hydrolysable to CO₂ H, for example CO₂ C₁₋₄ aklyl such as CO₂ CH₃ or CO₂ C₂ H₅.

Suitably, A' is CO₂ H or a group hydrolysable to CO₂ H, 5-tetrazolyl, SO₃ H, P(O)(OR)₂, P(O)(OH)₂, or P(O)(R)(OR) in which R is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; preferably A is CO₂ H or a group hydrolysable to CO₂ H, for example CO₂ C₁₋₄ alkyl such as CO₂ CH₃ or CO₂ C₂ H₅.

Suitably, R¹ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl. Preferably R¹ is hydrogen.

Suitable R² substituents or substituents for R¹ as an optionally substituted phenyl groups Ar and R¹ include, for example, 1 to 3 groups which may be the same or different and are selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl, such as CF₃, halogen, hydroxy and C₁₋₄ alkoxy.

Suitable heteroaryl groups include, for example, saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6-membered rings comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur. Preferably such rings include, for example, thienyl and furyl rings.

Particularly preferred compounds of structure (IV) include:

1-(8-Bromooctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

2-(8-Bromooctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

1-(8-cyanooctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

2-(8-cyanooctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

2-(8-carboxyoctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

1-(8-carboxyoctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

2-(8-ethoxycarbonyloctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

2-(6-Ethoxycarbonylhexyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

2-(6-Carboxyheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

2-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenyloxazole;

1-(7-bromoheptyl)-4,5-diphenyloxazole;

2-(7-cyanoheptyl)-4,5-diphenyloxazole;

8-(3,4-Diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)octanoic acid;

8-(4,5-Diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)octanoic acid;

1-(7-Methoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

2-(7-Methoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

8-(3,4-diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)octanoic acid;

8-(4,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)octanoic acid; and

2-(9-Hydroxynonyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole.

Preferred compounds of structure (IV) include:

1-(8-Bromooctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

2-(8-cyanooctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

8-(3,4-diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)octanoic acid;

2-(9-Hydroxynonyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

2-(7-Methoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole;

8-(3,4-Diphenylpyrazol-l-yl)octanoic acid;

8-(4,5-Diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)octanoic acid;

2-(6-Carboxyheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenyl-1,2,3-triazole; and

2-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenyloxazole.

Most preferred compounds of structure (IV) include:

2-(9-Hydroxynonyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole;

2-(7-Methoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole; and

1-(8-Bromooctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole.

The compounds of structure (IV) can be prepared using procedures analogous to those known in the art. The present invention therefore provides in a further aspect a process for the preparation of (R₂)m<X_(x) compounds of structure (IV) which comprises: ##STR12##

in which

R², X, m are as described for structure (IV) and Ya is N or C(CH₂)nA; with a compound of structure:

    L(CH.sub.2).sub.n A                                        (IVb)

in which n and A are as described for structure (IV) and L is a leaving group, or

(b) reaction of a compound of structure (IVc): ##STR13##

in which R², m and X are as described in structure (IV), Yb is N, N(CH₂)_(n) A_(b) or C(CH₂)_(n) A_(b), Z_(b) is N, O or N(CH₂)_(n) A_(b) provided that:

x, Y_(b) and Z_(b) are not all nitrogen,

when X is CR¹, Y_(b) and Z_(b) are not both nitrogen,

when Y_(b) is N(CH₂)_(n) A_(b), Z_(b) is nitrogen, and

when Z_(b) is 0, Y_(b) is --C(CH₂)_(n) A_(b) ;

A_(b) is a group convertible to a group A as described in structure (IV), with a reagent suitable to convert the group A_(b) into a group A and, optionally thereafter, converting one group A into another group A, and optionally forming a salt.

Suitable leaving groups L will be apparent to those skilled in the art and include, for example, halogen, such as bromine.

Suitable groups A_(b) convertible to a group A include, for example, where A is CO₂ H, CN groups, which can be converted into CO₂ H groups by reaction with, for example, sulphuric acid. Other groups and suitable reagents will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The reaction between compounds of structures (IVa) and (IVb) can be carried out in a suitable solvent in the presence of a base at a temperature of between ambient and the reflux temperature of the solvent used. For example compounds of structure (IV) in which X and Y are both nitrogen and Z is N(CH₂)_(n) CO₂ R, can be prepared by reacting a compound of structure (IVa) in which X and Ya are both nitrogen with a compound of structure (IVb) in which L is bromine and A is CO₂ H, in aqueous solution in the presence of sodinto hydroxide as base. Further reaction of said compound of structure (IV) with, for example, p-toluene sulphonic acid in methanol gives the corresponding compound in which A is CO₂ CH₃. The compounds of structures (IVa) and (IVb) are available commercially, or can be prepared by standard techniques.

The reaction between compounds of structure (IVc) and a reagent suitable to convert the group A_(b) to a group A will, of course, take place under conditions which will depend on the nature of the group A_(b). As already described, for example when A_(b) is CN, reaction with sulphuric acid under aqueous conditions affords the desired compounds of structure (IV) in which A is CO₂ H.

Other suitable groups and conditions will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Compounds of structure (IVc) are available commercially or can be prepared by standard procedures. For, example, compounds of structure (IVc) in which X is nitrogen, Y_(b) is C(CH₂)_(n) CN and Z_(b) is oxygen can be prepared via the following reaction sequence: ##STR14##

Examples 56 to 68 in the Synthetic Chemistry section serve to illustrate the preparation of compounds representative of structure (IV).

Compounds of Formula (V) are represented by the structure: ##STR15## wherein

R¹ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, or optionally substituted phenyl;

n is 2 or 4 to 12;

X is cyano, CO₂ H or a group hydrolysable to CO₂ H;

R₃ is independently C₁₋₄ alkyl, halo substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, hydroxy or C₁₋₄ alkoxy;

q is an integer having a value of 1 to 3;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Suitably, p is 1 to 3, and R₃ is independently selected from hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl, such as CF₃, halogen, hydroxy or C₁₋₄ alkoxy. Preferably R₃ is hydrogen. Suitable when n is 2 then X is not cyano.

Suitably, R₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ alkoxy, SC₁₋₈ alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl, or phenyl C₁₋₄ alkyl in which the phenyl group is optionally substituted. Preferably R₁ is C₁₋₄ alkyl or optionally substituted phenyl. When R₁ is an optionally substituted phenyl the substituent include, for example, 1 to 3 groups which may be the same or different and are selected from C₁₋₄ alkyl, haloC₁₋₄ alkyl, such as CF₃, halogen, hydroxy and C₁₋₄ alkoxy.

Suitably, n and m together are 4 to 12, preferably 4 to 8, and most preferably 6 or 7.

Suitable groups X, hydrolysable to CO₂ H include for example, nitdies, amides and ester groups. Examples of ester groups are C₁₋₆ alkyl esters and optionally substituted benzyl esters. Particular ester groups include mono-C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl groups such as ethoxycarbonyl and methoxycarbonyl, and tri-C₁₋₄ alkoxy carbonyl groups such as methoxyethoxyethoxy carbonyl groups (CH₃ O(CH₂)₂ O(CH₂)₂ O--C(O)--).

Compounds of Fomula (V) include:

Ethyl 3-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)propionate;

Ethyl 6-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)hexanoate;

Ethyl 5-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)valerate;

9-[1-(3,4,5-Triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazolyl)]nonanoic acid;

7-(3,4,5-Triphenyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptanitrile;

Ethyl 6-(3-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)hexanoate;

11-(3,4,5-Triphenyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)undecanoic acid; or

Ethyl-8-(4,5-diphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)octanoate.

Compounds of Formula (VI) are represented by the structure: ##STR16## wherein

R₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, or optionally substituted phenyl;

n is 4 to 12;

Y is oxygen or sulfur;

X is CO₂ H or a group hydrolysable to CO₂ H;

R₃ is independently C₁₋₄ alkyl, halo substituted C₁₋₄ alkyl, halogen, hydroxy or C₁₋₄ alkoxy;

q is an integer having a value of 1 to 3;

or a phamaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Suitably the variables R₁, R₃, p, n, and X as described in Formula (V) are the same for Formula (VI).

Compounds of Formula (VI) include:

Ethyl 5-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-1-yl-oxy)valerate;

8-(1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-yl-oxy)octanamide;

8-[1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-yl-oxy]octanoic acid; or

8-[1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yl-oxy]octanoic acid ammonium salt.

Additional compounds which are not encompassed by Fomula(s)

(I) to (VI) but are useful in this invention are listed below:

7-(3,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-1-yl-oxy)heptanitrile;

8-(2,3-Diphenylmaleimido)octanoic acid;

11-(2,3-Diphenylmaleimido)undecanoic acid;

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonyl)-4-phenylimidazole;

Methyl-7-(3,4,5-triphenyl)-2-oxo- 1,2-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)-5-heptynoate;

2-[4-(3-Carboxypropoxy)phenyl]-4,5-diphenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-phenylimidazole;

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonyl)-4-phenylimidazole;

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-octylthio-4,5,-diphenylimidazole;

8-(1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-yl-oxy)octanamide; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Preferred compounds of the Formula (V), (VI) and the additional compounds noted above are:

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-octylthio-4,5,-diphenylimidazole;

8-[1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-yl-oxy]octanoic acid;

Ethyl 5-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)valerate;

Ethyl 3-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)propionate;

Ethyl 6-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)hexanoate;

7-(3,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)-heptanonitrile;

Ethyl 6-(3-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)hexanoate;

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonyl)-4-phenylimidazole; and

Methyl-7-(3,4,5-triphenyl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)-5-heptynoate.

More preferred compounds for use herein are:

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-octylthio-4,5,-diphenylimidazole;

8-[1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-yl-oxy]octanoic acid;

Ethyl 5-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)valerate;

Ethyl 3-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)propionate; and

7-(3,4,5,-Triphenylimidazol-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)-heptanonitrile.

Examples 69 to 83 in the Synthetic Chemistry section serve to illustrate the preparation of compounds representative of structure (V), (VI) and the additional compounds noted above.

Methods of Treatment

Inhibition of CoA-IT and the simultaneous reduction of PAF and free arachidonic acid and eicosanoid release from inflammatory cells according to this invention is of therapeutic benefit in a broad range of diseases or disorders. The invention is useful to treat disease states both in humans and in other mammals.

This invention reveals that inhibition of CoA-IT is an effective means for simultaneously reducing PAF, free arachidonic acid and eicosanoids produced in inflammatory cells. Since PAF, free arachidonic acid and eicosanoids mediate a broad range of diseases and disorders in human and other mammals, blockage of CoA-IT will be a useful way to treat these disease states. The therapeutic utility of blocking lipid mediator generation has been recognized for many years. For example, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase, such as aspirin, indomethacin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen, have demonstrated broad therapeutic utilities. CoA-IT inhibitors inhibit cyclooxygenase products. Another class of inhibitors which are used in a broad range of inflammatory disorders are the corticosteroids. Corticosteroids induce inflammatory cells to produce proteins Which inhibit free arachidonic acid release. CoA-IT inhibitors block the release of free arachidonic acid. Inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase block the production of leukotrienes and leukotriene antagonists prevent the bioactions of leukotrienes. Recent studies indicate that both will have broad therapeutic utilities, and CoA-IT inhibitors block the production of leukotrienes. Inhibitors of phospholipase A₂ block the release of free arachidonic acid and the formation of lyso PAF (the immediate precursor of PAF). PLA₂ inhibitors are proposed to have broad therapeutic utilities. CoA-IT inhibitors block the release of free arachidonic acid and PAF generation. Taken together with the in vivo data presented in FIG. 5, inhibition of CoA-IT will have broad therapeutic utility by virtue of its capacity to block lipid mediator generation. CompOunds that inhibit CoA-IT activity will thus be usefulin many disease states. However, it does not follow that these disease states are in fact caused by altered CoA-IT activity. Thus, the disease may not be directly mediated by COA-IT activity. It only follows that CoA-IT activity is required for the continued expression of symptoms of the disease state and that CoA-IT inhibitors will be beneficial against the symptoms of these disease states.

This invention reveals that inhibition of CoA-IT, an enzyme that affects arachidonate movement, blocks PAF production. This is an expected result because PAF metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism are closely linked, in that 1-alkyl-2-arachidononyl-GPC is a major precurser for PAF [Chilton et al. J. Biol. Chem, 259:12014-12019, (1984)]and arachidonate in the sn-2 position of this molecule appears to play a role in its recognition by PLA2 enzymes specific for arachidonic acid [Bonelli et al., J. Biol. Chem., 264:14723-14728 (1989); Charmonet al. J. Biol. Chem., 265:5409-5413 (1990); Diez et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265:14654-14661 (1990)]. Arachidonate depletion in cells has further been coupled to a loss of PAF production and refeeding of arachidonate to those cells restored PAF production. These data sugest that maintenance of arachidonate containing alkyl-and alkenyl-linked phospholipid pools, a process mediated by CoA-IT, may in effect prime inflammatory cells for the coordinated production of prostaglandins, leukotrienes and PAF.

Interruption of CoA-IT activity would therefore inhibit arachidonate reincorporation into the alkyl and alkenyl-linked phospholipids pools (FIG. 1, pool 2). Further inhibition of CoA-IT could also lead to depletion of arachidonate in the alkyl and alkenyl phospholipid pools and consequently decrease both free arachidonic add release and PAF production. Finally, CoA-IT may also be important in the initial mobilization of precursors to PAF (lysoPAF) and arachidonic acid metabolites (free arachidonic acid). Inhibitors of CoA-IT have now been shown to block the formation of these intermediates.

This invention reveals that inhibition of CoA-IT reduces PAF production and this finding has a nnmber of therapeutic implications. PAF itself has been implicated as being involved in a number of medical conditions. Thus in circulatory shock, which is characterised by systemic hypotension, pulmonary hypertension and increased lung vascular permeability, the symptoms can be mimicked by infusion of PAF. This coupled with evidence showing that drculating PAF levels are increased by endotoxin infusion indicate that PAF is a prime mediator in certain forms of shock.

Intravenous infusion of PAF at doses of 20-200 pmol kg<-1>min<-1>into rats has been reported to result in the formation of extensive haemorrhagic erosions in the gastric mucosa. Thus PAF is the most potent gastric ulcerogen yet described whose endogenous release may underlie or contribute to certain forms of gastric ulceration. Psoriasis is an inflammatory and proliferative disease characterised by skin lesions. PAF is pro-inflammatory and has been isolated from lesioned scale of psoriatic patients indicating PAF has a role is the disease of psoriasis. And finally, increasing evidence supports a potential patho-physiological role for PAF in cardiovascular disease. Thus recent studies in angina patients show PAF is released during atrial pacing. Intracoronary injection of PAF in pigs induces a prolonged decrease in coronary flow and, in guines pig hearts, it induces regional shunting and ischaemia. In addition PAF has been shown to initiate thrombus formation in a roesenteric artery preparation, both when administered exogenously and when released endogenously. More recently PAF has been shown to play a role in brain ischaemia induced in animal models of stroke.

Thus the compounds of the invention, by virtue of their ability to antagonise CoA-IT and thus block the production of PAF, free arachidonic acid and its metabolites, are likely to be of value in the treatment of any of the above conditions.

For therapeutic use the compounds of the present invention will generally be administered in a standard pharmaceutical composition obtained by admixture with a pharmaceutical carrier selected with regard to the intended route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice. For example, they may be administered orally in the form of tablets containing such excipients as starch or lactose, or in capsule, ovules or lozenges either alone or in admixture with excipients, or in the form of elixirs or suspensions containing fiavouring or colouring agents. They may be injected parenterally, for example, intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. For parenteral administration, they are best used in the form of a sterile aqueous solution which may contain other substances, for example, enough salts or glucose to make the solution isotonic with blood. The choice of form for administration as well as effective dosages will vary depending, inter alia, on the condition being treated. The choice of mode of administration and dosage is within the skill of the art.

The compounds of structures (I) to (VI) and any others noted herein or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts which are active when given orally can be formulated as liquids, for example syrups, suspensions or emulsions, tablets, capsules and lozenges.

A liquid formulation will generally consist of a suspension or solution of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a suitable liquid carrier(s) for example, ethanol, glycerine, non-aqueous solvent, for example polyethylene glycol, oils, or water with a suspending agent, preservative, fiavouring or colouring agent.

A composition in the form of a tablet can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier(s) routinely used for preparing solid formulations, Examples of such carriers include magnesium stearate, starch, lactose, sucrose and cellulose.

A composition in the form of a capsule can be prepared using routine encapsulation procedures. For example, pellets containing the active ingredient can be prepared using standard carriers and then filled into a hard gelatin capsule; alternatively, a dispersion or suspension can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier(s)., for example aqueous gums, celluloses, silicates or oils and the dispersion or suspension then filled into a soft gelatin capsule.

Typical parenteral compositions consist of a solution or suspension of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a sterile aqueous carrier or parenterally acceptable oil, for example polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, ledthin, arachis oil or sesame oil. Alternatively, the solution can be lyophilised and then reconstituted with a suitable solvent just prior to administration.

A typical suppository formulation comprises a compound of structure (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which is active when administered in this way, with a binding and/or lubricating agent such as polymeric glycols, gelatins or cocoa butter or other low melting vegetable or synthetic waxes or fats.

Preferably the composition is in unit dose form such as a tablet or capsule.

Each dosage unit for oral administration contains preferably from 1 to 250 mg (and for parenteral administration contains preferably from 0.1 to 25 mg) of a compound of the structure (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof calculated as the free base.

The pharmaceutically acceptable compounds of the invention will normally be administered to a subject in a daily dosage regimen. For an adult patient this may be, for example, an oral dose of between 1mg and 500 mg, preferably between Img and 250 mg, or an intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular dose of between 0.1 mg and 100 mg, preferably between 0.1 mg and 25 mg, of the compound of the structure (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof calculated as the free base, the compound being administered 1to 4 times per day.

Disease states which could benefit from the inhibition of CoA-IT include, but are not limited to, adult respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, arthritis, reperfusion injury, endotoxic shock, inflammatory bowel disease, allergic rhinitis and various inflammatory skin disorders. Each of these disorders is mediated in some part by lipid mediators of inflammation. Compounds which inhibit CoA-IT, by virtue of their ability to block the generation of lipid mediators of inflammation, are of value in the treatment of any of these conditions.

SYNTHETIC CHEMISTRY

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding descriptions, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following examples further illustrate the synthesis of compounds of this invention. The following examples are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative and not a limitation of the scope of the present invention in any way.

Temperatures are recorded in degrees centigrade urdes otherwise noted.

EXAMPLE 1

Sodium 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)-heptane-sulphonate

A mixture of 1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-one (15.3g), dibromoheptane (50.6g) and potassium carbonate (13.8g) was heated at reflux temperature in dry butanone (750m1) for.20 hours. The mixture was cooled, filtered and the flitrate evaporated to an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel (hexane/ethyl acetate) to give 1,4,5-triphenyl-3-(7-bromoheptyl)imidazole-2-one (11.1 g, 46%) as an oil.

NMR δ(CDCl₃) 1.2-1.9 (10H, m, 5×CH₂), 3.4 (2H, t, --CH₂ Br), 3.7 (2H, t, --CH₂ N), 6.8-7.4 (15H, m, 3×Ph) ppm.

A solution of 1,4,5-triphenyl-3-(7-bromoheptyl)imidazol-2-one (2.0 g) in ethanol (10 ml) was refiuxed with a solution of sodinto sulphite (0.55 g) in water (5 ml) for 20 hours. More sodinrn sulphite (0.2 g) was added and refiuxing continued for a further 20 hours. The mixture was evaporated to dryness, boiled in ethanol, filtered hot and evaporated to an oil. This was taken up in a small volume of ethanol, excess diethyl ether added and the precipitated solid filtered off and chromatographed on silica gel (dichloro-methane/methanol 5:1). The resulting oil in methanol/water 1:1 was passed down an Amberlyst 15 ion exchange resin (Na form) and evaporated to a solid. This was taken up in ethanol and precipitated with diethyl ether giving sodium 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane-sulphonate (0.49 g), 23%) as a white solid, m.p. 160° C.

Found: C, 63.47; H, 5.69; N, 5.04; S, 5.63%; C₂₈ H₂₉ N₂ NaO₄ S+3.5% water; Requires: C, 63.31; H, 5.89; N, 5.28; S, 6.04%

EXAMPLE 2 7-(3,4,5-Triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)-heptanephosphonic acid

Diethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane-phosphonate (0.58g) was dissolved in dry chloroform, cooled to -40° C. and to it was added trimethylsilyl iodide (1.05g) over 2 mins under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The cooling bath was removed and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2.5 hours at room temperature then evaporated to an oil and re-evaporated from methanol, treated with excess aqueous sodium bicarbonate, evaporated to an oil and re-evaporated from methanol, water and ethanol respectively. The oil was taken up in ethahol, treated with excess aqueous sodium bicarbonate, evaporated to dryness then taken up in ethanol, filtered and the filtrate evaporated to an oil which solidified under ether. The solid was dissolved in water and passed down a Dowex 1×2-200 ion exchange resin in the formate form.

Elution with aqueous formic acid gave on evaporation of the solvent 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane-phosphonic acid (0.078 g, 15%) as a light brown foam.

Found: C, 66.50; H, 6.08; N, 5.39%; C₂₈ H₃₁ N₂ O₄ P+3% water

Requires: C, 66.50; H, 6.52; N, 5.54%

EXAMPLE 3 Diethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-imidazol-1-yl)heptane-phosphonate

A solution of 1,4,5-triphenyl-3-(7-bromoheptyl)irni dazol-2-one (1.0g) and triethylphosphite (1.66g) in xylene (5 ml) was heated at reflux temperature for 40 hours. The solution was evaporated to an oil and chromatographed on silica gel (ethyl acetate/ethanol).

The resulting oil was taken up in diethyl ether, filtered and evaporated to give diethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptanephosphonate as a dear oil (0.84g, 75%).

Found: C, 70.11; H, 7.37; N, 4.94%; C₃₂ H₃₉ N₂ O₄ P; Requires: C, 70.31; H, 7.19; N, 5.12%

EXAMPLE 4 Ethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)methyl-phosphinate

A solution of 1,4,5-triphenyl-3-(7-bromoheptyl)-imidazol-2-one (2.0 g) and diethyl methylphosphonite (2.17 g) in toluene (15 ml) was heated at reflux temperaturefor 48 hours with the addition of more diethyl methyl-phosphonite (0.5 g) after 24 hours. Water (5 ml) was added and the solution was evaporated to an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel (ethyl acetate/ethanol). The resulting oil was taken up in diethyl ether, filtered and evaporated to give ethyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)methyl-phosphinate (1.34g), 65%) as a dear oil.

Found: C, 70.70; H, 7.53; N, 5.35%; C₃₁ H₃₇ N₂ O₃ P+0.9% Et₂ O+2% H₂ O; Requires: C, 70.56; H, 7.36; N, 5.26%.

EXAMPLE 5 Diisopropyl-7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane phosphonate

A solution of 1,4,5-triphenyl-3-(7-bromoheptyl)-imidazol-2-one (1.47g) and triisopropyl phosphite (3.12 g) in xylene (15 ml ) was heated at reflux temperature for 48 hours. The solution was evaporated to an oil and chromatographed on silica gel (ethyl acetate/ethanol). The resulting oil was taken up in diethyl ether, filtered and evaporated to the titled compound as a dear oil (0.33g; 19%) Found: C, 70.02; H, 7.53; N, 5.19%; C₃₄ H₄₃ N₂ O₄ P +1.5% H₂ O; Requires: C, 69.99; H, 7.60; N, 4.80%.

EXAMPLE 6 Dimethyl-7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptane phosphonate

A solution of 1,4,5-triphenyl-3-(7-bromoheptyl)-imidazol-2-one (1.47 g) and trimethyl phosphite (1.89 g) in xylene (10 ml) was heated at reflux temperature for 6 days. The solution was evaporated to an oil and chromatographed on silica gel (ethyl acetate/ethanol). The resulting oil was taken up in diethyl ether, filtered and evaporated to the titled compound as a clear oil (0.30 g; 19%)

NMR δ(CDCl₃) 1.2-1.9 (10H, m, 5×CH₂), 3.6-3.8 (8H, m, -CH₂ N+2×--OCH₃), 6.8-7.4 (15H, m, 3×Ph) ppm.

EXAMPLE 7 Diethyl-6-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)hexane phosphonate

A solution of 1,4,5-triphenyl-3-(6-bromoheptyl)-imidazol-2-one (1.43 g) and triethyl phosphite (2.49 g) in xylene (8 ml) was heated at reflux temperature for 65 hours. The solution was evaporated to an oil and chromatographed on silica gel (ethyl acetate/ethanol). The resulting oil was taken up in diethyl ether, filtered and evaporated to the titled compound as a dear oil (1.15 g; 72%) Found: C, 69.67; H, 7.13; N, 5.43%; C₃₁ H₃₇ N₂ O₄ P; Requires: C, 69.91; H, 7.00; N, 5.26%.

EXAMPLE 8 Diethyl-8-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-y])octane

phosphonate

A solution of 1,4,5-triphenyl-3-(8-bromoheptyl)-imidazol-2-one (1.52 g) and triethyl phosphite (2.49 g) in xylene (10 ml) was heated at reflux temperature for 65 hours. The solution was evaporated to an oil and chromategraphed on silica gel (ethyl acetate/ethanol). The resulting oil was taken up in diethyl ether, filtered and evaporated to the titled compound as a clear oil (1.28g; 76%) Found: C, 70.15; H, 7.41; N, 5.06%; C₃₃ H₄₁ N₂ O₄ P+1% H20; Requires: C, 69.99; H, 7.41; N, 4.85%.

EXAMPLE 9 1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole

A mixture of 2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (11 g), ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (18.64 g), anhydrous potassium carbonate (51.3 g) and dry butanone (350 ml ) was heated at reflux for 26 h. The cooled reaction mixture was filtered to remove inorganics and the flitrate was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was stirred in hexane and unreacted 2,4,5-triphenylimidazole was collected by filtration (3.1 g). The flitrate was cooled and a white precipitate was collected. Recrystallisation from hexane gave 1-(7-ethoxy-carbonyl-heptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (8.37 g, 48.4%) as a white solid, m.p. 65°-7°.

Found C, 79.97; H, 7.32; N, 6.39%;

C₃₁ H₃₄ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 79.79; H, 7.34; N, 6.00%.

EXAMPLE 10 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole

A mixture of 1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenyl-imidazole (13.6 g), 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide (300 ml) and ethanol (200 ml ) was heated at reflux for 2.5 h. The ethanol was removed in vacuo and the reaction mixture was acidified with 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The aqueous solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (4×200 ml ) and the organic extracts were combined, dried over anhydrous magnesinm sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Recrystallisation from ethanol gave 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (9.77 g, 76.4%) as a white solid, m.p. 162°; Found C, 79.43; H, 6.93; N, 6.36%; C₂₉ H₃₀ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 79.42; H, 6.90; N, 6.39%.

EXAMPLE 11 1-(7-methoxycarbonylheptyl )-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole

A mixture of 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenyl-imidazole (0.5 g), concentrated sulphuric acid (2 ml) and methanol (100 ml) was heated at reflux for 24 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (50 ml), washed with water (50 ml), saturated NaHCO₃ solution (50 ml), water (50 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesinm sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloromethane:methanol gradient gave 1-(7-methoxycarbonylheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (0.28 g, 54%) as an oil.

Found: C, 79.74; H, 7.55; N, 5.99%;

C₃₀ H₄₂ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 79.61; H, 7.13; N, 6.19%.

Example 12 1-(6-ethoxy-carbonylhexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole

2,4,5-Triphenylimidazole (1.3 g) was added to a suspension of sodinto hydride (0.23 g) (50% dispersion in oil, washed with hexane) in dry dimethylformamide (40 ml ) under nitrogen. The reaction was stirred at 45° C. for 1.5 h, cooled and ethyl 7-bromoheptanoate (1.1 g) in dry dimethylformamide (10 ml) was added. The reaction was stirred at 50° C. for 5 h, cooled and water was carefully added. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (100 ml). The organic solution was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution (150 ml), water (100 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluted with a dichloro-methane:ethanol gradient to give 1-(6-ethoxy-carbonylhexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (0.81 g, 41%) as an oil. Found: C, 79.74; H, 7.32; N, 6.12%; C₃₀ H₃₂ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 79.61; H, 7.13; N, 6.19%.

EXAMPLE 13 1-(6-carboxyhexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole

Reaction of 1-(6-ethoxycarbonylhexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (0.4 g) with sodium hydroxide in a method similar to Example 10 gave, after recrystallisations from ethanol and isopropanol, 1-(6-carboxyhexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (0.19 g, 51%) as a white solid, m.p. 149°-150°; Found: C, 79.34; H, 6.65; N, 6.48%; C₂₈ H₂₈ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 79.22; H, 6.65; N, 6.60%.

EXAMPLE 14 1-[6-(5-tetrazolyhexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole

a) A mixture of 2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (52.5 g), dibromohexane (174 g) and potassinm carbonate (48.4. g) in dry butanone (400 ml) were heated at reflux temperature for 20 hours. The mixture was filtered and the flitrate evaporated to an oil. Approximately half of the excess dibromohexane was removed by distillation nnd the remaining oil was chromatographed on silica gel (hexane/ethyl acetate) giving, after recrystallisation from ethyl acetate, 1-(6-bromohexyl)-2,4,5-triphenyl-imidazole (35.0 g, 43%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 106°-7°; NMR d (CDCl₃) 0.9-1.7 (8H, m, 4×CH₂), 3.2 (2H, t, CH₂ Br), 3.9 (2H, t, CH₂ N), 7.1-7.7 (15H, m, 3×Ph) ppm.

b) 1-(6-Bromohexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (27.6 g) in dry dimethyisulphoxide (70 ml) was added over 10 minutes to a mixture of sodi-m cyanide (3.68 g) in dimethyl-sulphoxide (50 ml) and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 20 h. The reaction mixture was poured into water (300 ml) and extracted with dichloromethane (3×150 ml). The extracts were combined, washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesinm sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Recrystallisation from diethyl ether and hexane gave 1-(6-cyanohexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (24.19 g, 99%) as a white solid, m.p. 104°-6°.

NMR d (CDCl₃) 0.8-1.1 (4H, m, 2×CH₂), 1.1-1.4 (4H, m, 2×CH₂), 2.1 (2H, t, CH₂ CN), 3.90 (2H, t, NCH₂),7.0-7.8(15 H, m, 3×Ph) ppm

c) A mixture of 1-(6-cyanohexyl)-2,4,5-triphenyl-imidazole (2 g), tri-n-butyl tin azide (5 g) (Kricheldorf, H, Leppert, E, Synthesis, (1976) 329) and dry tetrahydrofuran (10 ml), under nitrogen, was heated at reflux for 20 h. Tri-n-butyl tin azide (5 g) in dry tetrahydrofuran (10 ml) was added and the reaction was heated at reflux for 24 h. The cooled reaction mixture was poured into 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid (100 red and water (100 ml ) was added. The aqueous mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (2×50 ml). The organic extracts were combined, washed with saturated sodinto chloride solution (50 ml) dried over anhydrous magnesinm sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloro-methane:methanol gradient and recrystallisation from ethanol/water gave 1-[6-(5-tetrazolyhexyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (0.25 g, 11.4%) as a white solid, m.p. 196°-7°; Found: C, 75.07; H, 6.40; N, 18.61%; C₂₈ H₂₈ N₆ requires: C, 74.97; H, 6.29; N, 18.74%.

EXAMPLE 15 1-(8-carboxyoctyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole

a) 2,4,5-Triphenylimidazole (5 g) was added to a suspension of sodium hydride (1.0 g) (50% dispersion in oil, washed with hexane) in dry dimethylformamide (80 ml ) under nitrogen. The reaction was stirred at 45° C. for 1 h, cooled and added, over 1 h to a solution of 1,8-dibromo-octane (30 g) in dry dimethylformamide (100 ml ) under nitrogen. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 24 h, water was carefully added and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (500 ml ), washed with water (250ml), 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid (250 ml), saturated sodium chloride solution (250 ml ), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Distillation to remove 1,8-dibromooctane and chromatography on silica gel eluted with dichloromethane gave 1-(8-bromooctyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (4.1 g, 50%) as an oil; NMR d (CDCl₃) 0.9-1.7 (12 H, m, 6×CH₂), 3.3 (2H, t, BrCH₂), 3.9 (2H, t, N--CH₂), 7.1-7.7(15H, m, 3×Ph) ppm.

b) 1-(8-Bromooctyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (4 g) in dimethylsulphoxide (30 ml) was added dropwise to a mixture of sodium cyanide (0.5 g) in dry dimethylsulphoxide (30 ml ). The reaction mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 2 h, cooled and poured into water (400 ml). The aqueous was extracted with diethyl ether (4×100 ml ), the extracts were combined, washed with water (100 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesinm sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloromethane:methanol gradient and recrystallisation from ether gave 1-(8-cyanoctyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (1.1 g, 31%) as a white solid, m.p. 72°-73°. Found: C, 83.10; H, 7.21; N, 9.69%; C₃₀ H₃₁ N₃ requires: C, 82.90; H, 7.19; N, 9.57%.

c) A mixture of 1-(8-cyanooctyl)-2,4,5-triphenyl-imidazole (0.8 g), concentrated sulphuric add (10 ml) and water (10 ml) was stirred at reflux for 4 h. Water (50 ml) was added to the cooled mixture and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×25 ml). The organic extracts were combined, washed with water (25 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Recrystallisation from ethanol/water gave 1-(8-carboxyoctyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (0.22 g, 26%) as a cream solid, m.p. 149°-150° C; Found C: 79.32; H, 7.17; N, 5.95%; C₃₀ H₃₂ N₂ requires: C, 79.61; H, 7.13; N, 6.19%.

EXAMPLE 16 1-(10-carboxydecyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole

(a) 2,4,5-Triphenylimidazole (2.5 g) and ethyl 11-bromoundecanoate (4.94 g) were reacted in a method similar to Example 9. Work-up and col-ran chromatography on silica gel eluted with 30:1 dichloromethane:ethanol gave 1-(10-ethoxy-carbonyldecyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (1.95 g, 45%) as an oil.

b) 1-(10-Ethoxycarbonyldecyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (1.3 g) was reacted with 2N sodium hydroxide in a method similar to Example 10 to give, after colnmn chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloro-methane:methanol gradient and recrystallisation from ethyl acetate/hexane, 1-(10-carboxydecyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (0.25 g, 19.2%) as a cream solid, m.p. 76°-78°; Found: C, 79.68%; H, 7.56%; N, 5.78%; C₃₂ H₃₆ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 79.96%; H, 7.55; N, 5.83%.

EXAMPLE 17 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole

a) 2-Methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole (2.5 g) (J. Org. Chem., 1937, 2,328) was reacted with sodium hydride (0.62 g) and ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (3.36 g) in a method similar to Example 12. Chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloromethane:ethanol gradient gave 1-(7-ethoxycarbonyl-heptyl)-2-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole (3.1 g, 72.1%) as an oil.

NMR d (CDCl₃) 1.15 (6H, m, 3×CH₂), 1.25 (3 H, t, CH₂ CH₃), 1.50 (4H, m, NCH₂ CH₂, O═CCH₂ CH₂), 2.23 (2H, t, CH₂ CO₂), 2.50 (3 H, s, CH₃), 3.69 (2H, t, NCH₂), 4.10 (2 H, q, O═C--OCH₂), 7.10-7.50 (10 H, m, 2×Ph) ppm

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole

b) 1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole (3.0 g) was reacted with 2N sodium hydroxide in a method similar to Example 10 to give, after recrystallisation from acetonitrile, 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-methyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole (1.19 g, 42.5%) as white 1885 needles, m.p. 135°-6°; Found: C, 75.37; H, 7.39; N, 7.27%; C₂₄ H₂₈ N₂ O₂ 1.9% H₂ O requires: C, 75.14; H, 7.57; N, 7.30%.

EXAMPLE 18 1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole

A mixture of 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole (0.5 g), concentrated sulphuric acid (0.5 ml) and absolute alcohol (50 ml) was heated at reflux for 3 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo, the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate (50 ml), washed with water (25 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sUlphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with. a dichloro-methane:ethanol gradient gave 1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-methyl-4,5- diphenyl-imidazole (0.22 g, 41%) as an oil.

Found: C, ? 5.70; H, ? .88; N, ? .01%;

C₂₆ H₃₂ N₂ O₂ 1.? H₂ O requires: C, 75.90; H, 8.03; N, 6.89%.

EXAMPLE 19 1-(7-(5-tetrazolylheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole

a) A mixture of 2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (11.5 g), 1,7-dibromo-heptane (50 g) and potassium carbonate (27 g) in dry butanone (250 ml) was heated at reflux for 20 hours. The mixture was filtered and the flitrate evaporated to an oil. Chromatography on silica gel (hexane/ethyl acetate) and recrystallisation from hexane gave 1-(7-bromoheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (11.3 g, 61.4%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 69°-71°.

Found: C, 71.18; H, 6.22; N, 5.99; Br, 16.95%;

C₂₈ tt29BrN₂ requires: C, 71.03; H, 6.17; N, 5.92; Br, 16.88%;

b) 1-(7-Bromoheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (7 g) in dry dimethylsulphoxide (15m1) was added over 20 minutes to a mixture of sodinto cyanide (0.87 g) in dimethyl-sulphoxide (25 ml ). The reaction was stirred at 40° C. for 1 hour. The cooled reaction mixture was poured into water (800 ml) and extracted with diethyl ether (4×100 ml). The extracts were combined, washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesinm sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Recrystallisation from dichloro-methane/hexane gave 1-(7-cyanoheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (3.7 g,60%) as a white solid, m.p. 93°-94°; Found: C, 82.35; H, 6.90; N, 9.96%; C₂₉ H29N₃ 1% CH₂ Cl₂ requires C, 82.43; H, 6.91; N, 9.91%.

c) A mixture of 1-(7-cyanoheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenyl-imidazole (2 g), tri-n-butyl tin azide (5 g) and dry tetrahydrofuran (30 ml), under nitrogen, was heated at reflux for 8 hours. Tri-n-butyl tin azide (4.9 g) in dry tetrahydrofuran (5 ml) was added and the reaction was heated at reflux for 48 hours. The cooled reaction mixture was poured into 2N hydrochloric acid (100 ml) and water (100 ml) was added. The aqueous mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (2×50 ml). The organic extracts were combined, washed with saturated sodi,,rn chloride solution (50 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Chromatography on silica gel (dichloromethane/methanol) gave 1-(7-(5-tetrazolylheptyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (0.2 g, 9%) as a form.

Found: C, 74.08; H, 6.63; N, 17.30%; C₂₉ H₃₀ N₆. 0.5% W/N C₂ H₅ OH requires C, 74.14; H, 6.87; N, 17.26%.

EXAMPLE 20 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl 8-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazol-1-yl)octanoate

a) 8-Bromooctanoic acid (22.3 g), 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)-ethanol (14.08 g) and p-toluenesulphouic acid (0.1 g) were added to toluene (250 ml ) and the resulting soution heated at reflux temperature for 16 hours. Ethyl acetate (500 ml) was then added and the solution washed with aqueous K₂ CO₃ solution and water, dried and evaporated. The residual oil was distilled to give 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)-ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (25.5 g), 77%) as a colourless oil, b.p. 126°-128° C./0.08 mm Hg.

b) The above alkyl bromide (7.5 g) and 2,4,5-triphenyl-imidazole (4.44 g) were treated with K₂ CO₃ (3.1 g) in refluxing 2-butanone (60 ml) for 18 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the resulting solid chromategraphed on silica gel to give 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)-ethyl 8-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazol-1-yl)octanoate (1..5 g, 42%) as a colourless oil. Found: C, 75.13; H, 7.47; N, 5-18%; C₃₄ tH₄₀ N₂ O₄ requires: C, 75.53; H, 7.46; N, 5.1:8%

EXAMPLE 21 Ethyl 8-(4,5-diphenylimidazol-1-yl)octanoate

4,5-Triphenylimidazole (5.5 g) was treated with ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (12.55 g) by the method described in example 5 to give, after work-up and chromatography, ethyl 8-(4,5-diphenylimidazol-1-yl)octanoate (7.8 g, 80%) as a pale yellow oil. Found: C, 76.67; H, 7.85; N, 7.07%; C₂₅ H₃₀ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 76.89; H, 7.74; N, 7.17%

EXAMPLE 22 8-(4,5-diphenyl-imidazol-1-yl)octanoic acid

Ethyl 8-(4,5-diphenylimidazole-1-yl)octanate (3.25 g) was treated with sodium hydroxide as described in example 10 to give 8-(4,5-diphenyl-imidazol-1-yl)octanoic acid (0.6 g, 20%) as colourless needles, m.p. 129.5°-130° C.

Found: C, 75.75; H, 7.20; N, 7.53%

C₂₃ H₂₆ N₂ O₂ 0.1 HCl requires: C, 75.45; H, 7.18; N, 7.65%

EXAMPLE 23 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl 8-(4,5-diphenylimidazole-1-yl)-octanoate

4,5-Diphenylimidazole (2.85 g) was treated with 2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (8.63 g) as described in Example 20 to give 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl 8-(4,5-diphenylimidazole-1-yl)octanoate as a colourless oil (i.5 g, 25%). Found: C, 72.28; H, 7.91; N, 6.35% C₂₈ H₃₆ N₂ O₄ requires: C, 72.38; H, 7.81; N, 6.03%

EXAMPLE 24 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole

a) 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole (10 g) (J. Org. Chem., 1964, 29, 1926-30) was reacted with sodium hydride (1.7 g) and ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (9.6 g) in a method similar to Example 12. Chromatography on silica gel eluted with chloroform gave 1-(7-ethoxy-carbonylheptyl)2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole (12.9 g, 85%) as an oil.

b) 1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5- diphenyl-imidazole (5 g) was treated as in Example 10. Work-up and recrystallisation from ethanol gave 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole (3.51 g, 75%) as a white solid, m.p 173°-4°.

Found: C, 76.23; H, 6.89; N, 5.71%; C₃₀ H₃₂ N₂ O₃ +1% w/w C₂ H₅ OH requires: C, 76.64; H, 6.94; N, 5.92%;

EXAMPLE 25 1-(7-ethoxy-carbonylheptyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole (0.4 g) was reacted with ethanol and concentrated sulphuric acid in a method similar to Example 18 to give, after work-up and column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloromethane:ethanol gradient, 1-(7-ethoxy-carbonylheptyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole (0.21 g, 50%) as an oil. Found: C, 77.39; H, 7.55; N, 5.96%; C₃₂ H₃₆ N₂ O₃ requires: C, 77.39; H, 7.31; N, 5.64%.

EXAMPLE 26 1-(7-carboxy-heptyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole

1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole (2.5 g) was added, in portions over 40 minutes, to a solution of boron tribromide (2.17 ml) in anhydrous dichloromethane (40 ml). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 5 h, cooled and water (50 ml) was carefully added. The organic layer was removed and the aqueous layer was washed with dichloromethane (3×75 ml). The organic extracts were combined, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloro-methane:methanol gradient and recrystallisation from ethanol/water and acetonitrile gave 1-(7-carboxy-heptyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyI)-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole (0.49 g, 20%) as a white solid, m.p. 171°-172° . Further material was obtained from the mother liquors (0.79 g, 33%) m.p. 167°. Found C: 76.85; H, 6.65; N, 6.20%; C₂₉ H₃₀ N₂ O₃ requires: C, 76.63; H, 6.65; N, 6.16%;

EXAMPLE 27 1-(7-carboxy-heptyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodophenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole

A solution of iodine (0.25 g) and potassium iodide (0.48 g) in water (1 ml) was added to a mixture of 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5,-diphenyl-imidazole (0.2 g) in 25% aqueous methylamine (1.5 ml), cooled in an ice-bath. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h, aqueous sodium metabisulphite solution was added and stirring was continued for 0.5 h. The reaction mixture was acidified to pH 3 with glacial acetic acid. The resulting orange solid was collected and washed with aqueous sodium metabisulphite solution. Recrystallisation from ethanol/water gave 1-(7-carboxy-heptyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-diiodophenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole (0.14 g,. 45%) as an off-white solid, m.p. 186°.Found: C, 49.49; H, 3.99; N, 4.36; I, 35.64%; C₂₉ H₂₈ I₂ N₂ O₃ requires: C, 49.31; H, 4.00; N, 3.97; I, 35.93%.

EXAMPLE 28 2-benzyl-1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole

2-Benzyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole (3.3 g) (Weiss, M, J. ,Am. Chem. Soc., 1952, 74, 5193-5) was reacted with ethyl 8-bromooctanoate as in Example 9. Colnmn chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloromethane:ethanol gradient followed by distillation at 200° C./0.1 torr to remove volatile impurities gave a yellow oil. Recrystallisation from hexane gave 2-benzyl-1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole (2.69 g, 52.6%) as a white solid, m.p. 82°-3°. Found: C, 80.35; H, 7.58; N, 6.08%; C₃₂ H₃₆ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 79.96; H, 7.55; N. 5.83%.

EXAMPLE 29 2-benzyl-1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole

2-Benzyl-l-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole (1.5 g) was treated in a method similar to Example 10. Ethanol was removed in vacuo and the aqueous solution was acidified with 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid and extracted with dichloromethane (2×75 ml ). The extracts were combined, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Recrystallisation from ethanol gave 2-benzyl-1-(7-carboxy-heptyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole (1.14 g, 81%) as a white solid, m.p. 148-9°. Found: C, 79.56; H, 7.13; N, 6.04%; C₃₀ H₃₂ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 79.61; H, 7.13; N, 6.19%.

EXAMPLE 30 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-[4-octyloxy-phenyl]-4,5-diphenylimidazole

a) 2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dipheny]imidazole (5 g) (J. Org. Chem., 1964, 29, 1926) was reacted with 8-bromooctane (6.2 g) in a method similar to Example 9. Work-up and recrystallisation from ethanol and water gave 2-(4-octyloxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole (4.29 g, 63%) as a white solid, m.p. 178°. Found: C, 82.31; H, 7.66; N, 6.73%; C₂₉ H₃₂ N₂ O requires C, 82.04; H, 7.60; N, 6.60%.

b) 2-(4-Octyloxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole (2.5 g) was reacted with ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (2.96 g) in a method similar to Example 9. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a hexane:ethyl acetate gradient gave 1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-[4-octyloxyphenyl]-4, 5-diphenylimidazole (3.48 g, 94%) as an oil.

NMR d (CDCl₃); 0.8-1.5 (23 H, m, 10×CH₂, CH₃), 1.8 (2 H, q, OCH₂ CH₂), 2.2 (2H, t, CH₂ (C═O), 3.85 (2H, t, NCH₂), 4.05 (4H, m, CH₂ OC═O, COCH₂), 6.95-7.6 (14H, m, ArH) ppm.

c) 1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-[4-octyloxyphenyl]-4, 5-diphenylimidazole (3.2 g) was reacted with 2N sodium hydroxide in a method similar to Example 9. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichioro-methane:methanol gradient and recrystallisation from acetonitrile gave 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-[4-octyloxy-phenyl]-4,5-diphenylimidazole (1.7 g, 58.6%) as a white solid, m.p. 114°-115°. Found: C, 78.61; H, 8.23; N, 4.96%; C₃₇ H₄₆ N₂ O₃ requires: C, 78.41; H, 8.18; N, 4.94%.

EXAMPLE 31 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2 octylthio-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole

a) A mixture of 4,5-diphenyl-2-imidazolethiol (2.5 g), 8-bromooctane (3.8 g), anhydrous potassium carbonate (13.7 g) and dry butanone (60 ml) was stirred at reflux for 2 h. The cooled reaction mixture was filtered to remove solid and the flitrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was mixed with hexane and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration. Recrystallisation from ethanol and water gave 2-octylthio-4,5-diphenylimidazole (1.9 g, 53%) as a white solid, m.p. 133°-4°.

Found: C, 76.15; H, 7.82; N, 7.74, S, 9.23%; C₂₃ H₂₈ N₂ S requires: C, 75.78; H, 7.74; N, 7.68; S, 8.80%.

b) 2-Octylthio-4,5-diphenylimidazole (1.7 g) was reacted with ethyl 8-bromoctanoate in a method similar to Example 9 to give, after chromatography on silica gel eluted with a hexane:dichloromethane gradient, 1-(7-ethoxycarbonyl-heptyl)-2-octylthio-4, 5-diphenylimidazole (2.19 g, 87.6%) as an oil. NMR d (CDC₁₃) 0.89 (3H, t, CH₂ CH₃), 1.0-1.8 (20H, m, 10x(CH₂)), 2.2 (2H, t, CH₂ =O), 3.2 (2H, t, SCH₂), 3.78 (2H, t, NCH₂), 4.1 (2H, q, CH₂₀ C═O), 7.0-7.5 (10H, m, 2×Ph) ppm.

c) 1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-octylthio-4,5-diphenylimidazole (1 g) was reacted with 2N sodium hydroxide in a method similar to Example 10 to give, after chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloro-methane:methanol gradient, 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2 octylthio-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole (0.47 g, 49%) as an oil. Found: C, 73.56; H, 8.59; N, 5.60; S, 6.47%; C₃₁ H₄₂ N₂ O₂ S requires: C, 73.47; H, 8.35; N, 5.53; S, 6.33%.

EXAMPLE 32 1-(7-ethoxycarbonyl-heptyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)imidazole

4,5-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)imidazole (1.8 g) (J. Med. Chem., 1974, 17, 1182-8) and ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (3.2 g) were reacted in a method similar to Example 9. Colnmn chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloro-methane:ethanol gradient gave 1-(7-ethoxycarbonyl-heptyl)- 4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)imidazole (2.42 g, 83%) as an oil. Found: C, 72.30; H, 7.72; N, 6.21%; C₂₇ H₃₄ N₂₀ ₄ requires: C, 71.97; H, 7.61; N, 6.22%.

EXAMPLE 33 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)imidazole

1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-imidazole (0.58 g) was reacted with 2N sodium hydroxide in a method similar to Example 10. Recrystallisations from ethanol and water gave 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-imidazole (0.25 g, 46%) as a white solid, m.p. 142°-143°.

Found: C, 71.17; H, 7.20; H, 6.67%;

C₂₅ H₃₀ N₂ O₄ requires: C, 71.07; H, 7.16; N, 6.63%.

EXAMPLE 34 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)imidazole

a) Boron tribromide (1.3 ml) was added to a solution of 1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-imidazole (1.25 g) in dry dichloromethane (30 ml). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 4 h, cooled and water (20 ml) was carefully added. The resulting purple precipitate was collected and column chromatographyon silica gel eluted with a dichloromethane:methanol gradient, followed by recrystallisation from ethanol and water gave 1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-imidazole as a white solid (0.58 g, 50%), m.p. 186°-187°.

b) The above ester (0.5 g) was reacted with 2N sodinto hydroxide in a method similar to Example 10. Recrystallisations from ethanol and water gave 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-imidazole (0.16 g, 34%) as a white solid, m.p. 203°-204°. Found: C, 69.71; H, 6.70; N, 6.99%;C₂₃ H₂₆ N₂ O₄ requires: C, 70.03; H, 6.64; N, 7.10%.

EXAMPLE 35 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis-(2-chlorophenyl)imidazole

a) 4,5-Bis(2-chlorophenyl)imidazole (1.2 g) (Chem. Ber., 1959, 92, 338-343) and ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (2.1 g) were reacted in a method similar to Example 9. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloro-methane:ethanol gradient gave 4,5-bis(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(7-ethoxycarbonyl-heptyl)imidazole (0.45 g, 23.7%) as an oil. NMR d (CDCl₃) . 1.0-1.8(11H, m, 4×CH₂, CH₃), 2.2(2H, t, CH₂ C═0), 3.8 (2H, m, N--CH₂), 4.1(2H, q, CH₂₀ C═O), 7.1-7.45 (8H, m, ArH), 7.69 (1H, s, N═CH)ppm

b) 4,5-Bis(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-imidazole (0.4 g) was reacted with 2N sodium hydroxide in a method similar to Example 10. Work-up and chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloromethane:methanol gradient followed by recrystallisation from dichloro-methane and hexane gave 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis-(2-chlorophenyI)imidazole (0.25 g, 67%) as a white solid, m.p. 145°-6°.

Found: C, 64.20; H, 5.61; N. 6.64; C₁, 16.62 %; C₂₃ H₂₄ C₁₂ N₂ O₂

Requires: C, 64.04; H, 5.61; N, 6.49; C₁, 16.44 %.

EXAMPLE 36 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis(2-chloro-phenyl )-2-phenylimidazole

a) 4,5-Bis(2-chlorophenyl)-2-phenylimidazole (1.7 g) (J. Org. Chem., 1971, 36, 2262) was reacted with ethyl 8-bromooctanoate in a method similar to Example 9. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloro-methane:ethanol gradient gave 4,5-bis(2-chloro-phenyl)-1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-phenylimidazole (1.94 g, 77.6%) as an oil.

NMR d (CDCl₃) 0.8-1.5 (10H, m, 5×CH₂), 2. t8(2H, t, CH₂ C═O), 3.85 (2H, m, NCH₂), 4.1 (2H, q, CH₂₀ C═O), 7.1-7.5 (13H, m, ArH) ppm.

b) 4,5-Bis(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(7-ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-phenylimidazole (1.9 g) was reacted with 2N sodium hydroxide in a method similar to Example 10. The aqueous reaction mixture was evaporated to remove ethanol and acidified to pH 5 with 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The resulting white solid was collected and recrystallisation from ethanol gave 1L(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis(2-chloro-phenyl)-2-phenylimidazole (1.31 g, 73%) as a white solid, m.p. 198°. Found: C, 68.53; H, 5.60; N, 5.37; C₁, 14.79 %; C₂₉ H₂₈ C₁₂ N₂ O₂ 0.2% w/w C₂ H₅ OH requires: C, 68.31; H, 5.70; N, 5.40, C₁, 13.69 %.

EXAMPLE 37 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2-phenylimidazole

a) 4,5-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylimidazole (7 g) (J. Med. Chem., 1974, 17, 1182-8) and ethyl 8-bromo-octanoate (9.9 g) were reacted in a method similar to Example 9. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a hexane:ethyl acetate gradient gave 1-(7-ethoxy-carbonylheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenyl-imidazole (10.3 g, 100%) as an oil.

NMR d (CDC₁₃) 0.8-1.5 (13H, m, 5×CH₂, CH₃), 2.18 (2H, t, CH₂ =O), 3.75 (3H, s, OCH₃), 3.88 (5H, m, NCH₂, OCH₃), 4.1 (2H, q, CH₂ OC═O), 6.7-7.7 (13It, m, ArH) ppm.

b) 1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylimidazole (10 g) was reacted with 2N sodium hydroxide in a method similar to Example 10. The aqueous reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo and the residue was mixed with ethanol (150 ml) and insoluble material was filtered off. The flitrate was evaporated to dryness and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloromethane:methanol gradient. Further purification on Amberlite resin IRA-400 eluted with a methanol:water to methanol:2N HC1 gradient and recrystallisation from ethanol gave 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxy-phenyl)-2-phenylimidazole (2.01 g, 21%) as a white solid, m.p. 149°-150°. Found: C, 74.50; H, 6.75; N, 5.69%; C₃₁ H₃₄ N₂ O₄ 0.5% w/w C₂ H₅ OH requires: C, 74.56; H, 6.90; N, 5.59%.

EXAMPLE 38 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylimidazole

Boron tribromide (0.7 ml) was added to a suspension of 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylimidazole (0.7 g) in anhydrous dichloromethane (20 ml ) and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. Boron tribromide (0.3 ml) was added and the reaction was stirred at reflux for 2 h and at room temperature for 20 h. Water was carefully added to the cooled reaction mixture and the resulting yellow precipitate was collected. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a dichloromethane:methanol gradient and recrystallisation from ethanol and water gave 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylimidazole (0.44 g, 67%) as a cream solid, m.p 135°-7°; Found C, 3.97; H, 6.38; N, 5.98%; C₂₉ H₃₀ N₂ O₄ requires: C, 74.02; H, 6.42; N, 5.95%.

EXAMPLE 39 8-(4,5-di-(4-bromophenyl)imidazol-1-yl)-octanoate

4,5-Di-(4-bromophenyl)imidazole (2.13 g) was treated with ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (2 g) and K₂ CO₃ (0.5 g) in 2-butanone as described in Example 9 to give ethyl 8-(4,5-di-(4-bromophenyl)imidazol-1-yl)-octanoate (2.2 g, 52%) as a pale yellow oil.; Found: C, 55.13; H, 5.19; N, 5.18; Br; 8.76%; C₂₈ H₂₈ Br₂ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 54.76; H, 5.15; N, 5.11; Br, 29.15%

EXAMPLE 40 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-heptyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole

a) 2-Heptyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole (1 g) was reacted with ethyl 8-bromoocnoate (1.6 g) in a method similar to Example 9 with a reaction 5 time of 48 hours. Chromatography on silica gel (hexane/ethyl acetate) gave 1-(7-ethoxycarbonyl-heptyl)-2-heptyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole (1.3 g, 87%) as an oil. Found: C, 78.98; H, 9.22; N, 5.76%; C₃₂ H₄₄ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 78.64; H, 9.08; N, 5.73%;

b) 1-(7-Ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-2-heptyl-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole (1 g) was reacted with sodium hydroxide in a method similar to Example 10 to give, after colnmn chromatography on silica gel (dichloromethane/methanol) and recrystallisation from hexane, 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-heptyl-4,5-diphenylimidazole (0.26 g, 28%) as a white solid, m.p. 75°-6°. Found: C, 78.04; H, 8.85; N, 6.10%; C₃₀ H₄₀ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 78.22; H, 8.75; N, 6.08%;

EXAMPLE 41 6-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazol-1-yl)hexylthio-acetic acid

To a solution of sodinto (0.17 g) in dry methanol (10 ml) was added mercaptoacetic acid (0.3 g followed by 1-(6-bromohexyl)-2,4,5- triphenylimidazole (1.38 g). The suspension was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours then at reflux temperature for 4 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in water and acidified to pH 4 with dilute hydrochloric acid. The precipitated oil was taken up in dichloromethane, washed with water, dried over magnesium sulphate and evaporated to an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel (dichloromethane/methanol) giving, after recrystallisation from ethanol, 6-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazol-1-yl)hexylthio-acetic acid (0.86 g, 61%) as a colourless crystalline solid, m.p. 158°-9° C. Found: C, 74.14; H, 6.43; N, 5.77; S, 6.91%; C₂₉ H₃₀ N₂ O₂ S requires: C, 74.01; H, 6.43; N, 5.95; S, 6.81%

EXAMPLE 42 5-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazol-l-yl)pentyl-thioacetic acid

a) A mixture of 2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (20 g), dibromopentane (62 g) and potassium carbonate (18 g) in dry butanone (200 ml) was heated at reflux temperature for 24 hours. The mixture was filtered and the flitrate evaporated to an oil. This was washed with hexane then chromatographed on silica gel (hexane/ethyl acetate) to give 1-(5-bromopentyl)-2,4,5-triphenyl-imidazole (7.9 g, 27%) as a pale yellow oil. 5 NMR d (CDCl₃) 1.0-1.6 (3H, m, 3×CH₂), 3.1 (2H, t, CH₂ Br), 3.9 (2H, t, CH₂ N), 7.1-7.7 (15H, m, 3×Ph) ppm.

b) Mercaptoacetic acid (0.3 g) and 1-(5-bromopentyl)-2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (1.34 g) were reacted in a method similar to example 42 (a) above giving, after recrystallisation from isopropanol, 5-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazol-1-yl)pentyl-thioacetic acid (0.52 g, 38%) as a colourless crystalline solid, m.p. 166°-9° C; Found: C, 72.98; H, 6.07; N, 5.87; S, 6.90%; C₂₈ H₂₈ N₂ O₂ S +1% isopropanol +0.5% water requires: C, 73.15; H, 6.28; N, 6.04; S, 6.92%

EXAMPLE 43 7-(1,2,4-triphenylimidazolyl)-hept-5-ynoic acid

A solution of 2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (1.07 g) in dimethyl-formimide (20 ml) was treated with sodium hydride 50% in oil (0.17 g) and methyl 7-bromohept-5-ynoate (0.95 g). The solution was stirred for 18 hours when the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluted with chloroform hexane to give a clear oil which was dissolved in methanol (20 ml) and treated with 10% potassium hydroxide solution (10 ml) for 2 hours. The methanol was removed under reduced pressure and the remaining aqueous was acidified (pH 3) and filtered. The filtrate was extracted with chloroform (3×50 ml). The chloroform extracts were dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and the solvent removed to give a solid which was recrystallised from acetonitrile to give 7-(1,2,4-triphenyl-imidazolyl)-hept-5-ynoic acid as white prisms, m.p. 144°-145° C.; Found: C, 79.99; H, 5.81; N, 6.40% (C₂₈ H₂₄ N₂ O₂);Requires: C, 79.97; H, 5.75; N, 6.66%

EXAMPLE 44 9-(1,2,4-tri-phenylimidazolyl)-2,2-dimethylnonanoic acid

A mixture of 2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (4.13 g), ethyl 9-bromo-2,2-dimethylnonanoate (10.95 g), potassium carbonate (10 g) and 2-butanone was stirred at reflux for 48 hours. The mixture was filtered, solvent removed under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluted with chloroform to give a clear oil which was dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide (30 ml) and treated with potassinm 5 hydroxide (3 g). The mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 24 hours when the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Water (50 ml ) was added, the pH of the solution was adjusted to 4 and the aqueous was extracted with chloroform (3×50 ml ). The chloroform extracts were dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and the solvent removed to give a solid which was recrystallised from acetonitrile to give 9-(1,2,4-tri-phenylimidazolyl)-2,2-dimethylnonanoic acid as a white crystalline solid, m.p. 119°-120° C.; Found: C, 79.85; H, 7.64; N, 6.23% (C₃₂ H₃₆ N₂ O₂); Requires: C, 79.96; H, 5.54; N, 5.82%

EXAMPLE 45 4-[4-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazolyl)butyloxy]benzoic acid

a) A mixture of 1,4 dibromobutane (50 ml), methyl 4-hydroxy-benzoate (15.2 g, 0.1 mole), potassi-m carbonate (40 g) in 2-butanone (500 ml) was refiuxed for 24 hours. The mixture was filtered, solvent removed and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluted with chloroform/petrol and recrystallised from pentane to give methyl 4-(4-bromobutyloxy)benzoate (19.26 g).

b) A mixture of 2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (5.93 g), methyl 4-(4-bromobutyloxy)benzoate (3.81 g), potassium carbonate (25 g) and 2-butanone (250 ml) was stirred at reflux for 36 hours. The mixture was filtered, solvent removed under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluted with chloroform and recrystallised from methanol to give 4-[4-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazolyl)butyloxy]benzoate as a white crystalline solid (5.38 g), m.p. 145°-146° C.; Found: C, 79.16; H, 6.15; N, 6.03% (C₃₃ H₃₀ N₂ O₃); Requires: C, 78.86; H, 6.01; N, 5.57%

c) Methyl 4-[4-(2,4,5 triphenylimidazolyl]butyloxy)-benzoate (1.5 g) was dissolved in methanol (50 ml) and treated with 10% potassium hydroxide solution (15 ml) for 0.5 hours. The methanol was removed under reduced pressure and the remaining aqueous was acidified (pH4) and the pre-cipitate was collected by filtration and recrystallised from methanol to give 4-[4-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazolyl)-butyloxy]-benzoic acid (1.3 g) as white prisms m.p. 202°-203° C.; Found: C, 78.79; H, 5.75; N, 5.81% (C₃₂ H₂₈ N₂ O₃);Requires: C, 78.66; H, 5.78; N, 5.73%

EXAMPLE 46 7-(2,4,5-tri-phenylimidazol-1-yl)heptane-sulphonate

2,4,5-Triphenyl-1-(7-bromoheptyl)imidazole (0.95 g) was dissolved in hot ethanol (10 ml) and a solution of sodium sulphite (0.38 g) in hot water (5 ml) was added. The white suspension was heated at reflux temperature for 20 hours then evaporated to dryness. The mixture was taken up in dichloromethane, filtered and the flitrate evaporated to an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel (dichloromethane/methanol). The resulting oil was dissolved in methanol and excess ether added giving an oil which slowly solidified. to give sodinto 7-(2,4,5-tri-phenylimidazol-1-yl)heptane-sulphonate (0.32 g; 32%) as a white solid, m.p. 310° C. Found: C, 65.98; H, 6.11; N, 5.71; S, 6.22%; C₂₈ H₂₉ N₂ NaO₃ S+2.5% H₂ O requires: C, 66.03; H, 6.02; N, 5.50; S, 6.30%

EXAMPLE 47 7-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazol-1-yl)heptanephosphonic acid

A mixture of 2,4,5-triphenyl-1-(7-bromoheptyl)-imidazole (0.95 g) and triethyl phosphite (1.66 g) in xylene (5 ml) was heated at reflux temperature for 20 hours. The mixture was evaporated to an oil and chromatographed on silica gel (ethyl acetate/ethanol) to give diethyl 7-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazol-1-yl)heptane-phosphonate (0.37 g, 35%) as a light brown oil. NMR μ(CDCl₃) 0.9-1.7 (18H, m, 6×CH₂ +2×CH₃), 3.9 (2H, t, CH₂ N), 4.1 (4H, m, 2×CH₂₀), 7.1-7.7 (15H, m, 3×Ph) ppm. Diethyl 7-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazol-l-yl)heptane-phosphonate (0.35 g) was dissolved in dry chloroform, cooled to -40° C and to it was added trimethylsflyl iodide (0.66 g) over 2 minutes under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The cooling bath was removed and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature then evaporated to an oil and re- evaporated from methanol and water respectively. The oil was taken up in methanol, treated with excess aqueous sodinto bicarbonate, evaporated to dryness then taken up in ethanol, filtered and the flitrate evaporated to an oil. This was taken up in water, filtered and dilute hydrochloric acid added to pH4. The precipitated oil was washed with water, taken up in methanol and precipitated with ether to give 7-(2,4,5-triphenylimidazol-1-yl)heptane-phosphonic acid (0.16 g, 51%) as a light brown oil. Found: C, 68.12; H, 6.39, N, 5.60% C₂₈ H₃₁ N₂ O₃ P+4% H₂ O requires: C, 68.03; H 6.76; N, 5.66%.

EXAMPLE 48 Ethyl 8-(phenanthrimidazol-1-yl)octanoate

Phenanthrimidazole (2.18 g) (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1943, 65, 452-6) was treated with ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (5.02 g) and K₂ CO₃ (2.76 g) in 2-bumone (100 ml) as described in Example 9 to give, apter work up and chromatography, ethyl 8-(phenanthrimidazol-1-yl)octanoate (0.8 g, 20%) as off white Crystals, m.p. 99°-101° C; Found: C, 77.34; H, 7.19; N, 7.04%; C₂₅ H₂₈ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 77.29; H, 7.26; N, 7.21%

EXAMPLE 49 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-(5-formylpentyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole

a) A mixture of4,5-diphenyl-2-imidazolethiol (2.66 g), 2-(5-iodopentyl)-1,3-dioxalane (3 g), anhydrous potassinm carbonate (7.26 g) and dry 2-butanone (70 ml) was heated at reflux for 4 hours. The cooled reaction mixture was filtered and the flitrate was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was stirred under hexane and the resulting white precipitate was collected by filtration. Recrystallisations from ethanol/water and dichloro-methanefaexane gave 2-(5-[1,3-dioxalan-2-yl]heptyl-thio)-4,5-diphenylimidazole (3.1 g, 75%) as a white solid, m.p. 116°-118° C.; NMR d (CDCl₃) 1.5-1.7 (8H, m, 4×CH₂), 3.09 (2H, t, SCH₂), 3.8-4.0 (4H, m, O(CH₂)₂ O), 4.8 (1H, t, CH), 7.1-7.7 (10H, m, 2×Ph) ppm.

b) 2-(5-[1,3-dioxalan-2-yl]pentylthio]-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole (3 g) and ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (3.82 g) were reacted in a method similar to Example 9. Distillation to remove volatile impurities and column chromatography on silica gel (dichloro-methane/ethanol) gave 2-(5-[1,3-dioxalan-2-yl]heptylthio)-l-(7-ethoxycarbonylpentyl)-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole (3.02 g, 70%) as a colourless oil. Found: C, 70.23; H, 8.09; N, 5.04; S, 5.85%; C₃₃ H₄₄ N₂ O₄ S requires: C, 70.18; H, 7.85; N, 4.96; S, 5.65%

c) 2-(5-[1,3-Dioxalan-2-yl]pentylthio)-l-(7-ethoxy-carbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole (7 g) was reacted with 2N sodium 5 hydroxide in a method similar to Example 10. Work-up and 2.3 (2H, t, CH₂), 3.2 (2H, t, SCH₂), 3.7-4.0 (6H, m, O(CH₂)20, NCH₂), 4.8 chromatography on silica gel (dichloromethane/methanol) gave 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-[5-(1,3-dioxalan-2-yl]pentylthio)-4,5-diphenylimidazole (6.44 g, 89%) as a colourless oil. NMR μ(CDCl₃) 1.0-1.9 (18H, m, 9×CH₂), (1H, m, CH), 7.0-7.5 (10H, m, 2×Ph) ppm.

d) A mixture of 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-(5-[1,3-dioxalan-2-yl]pentylthio)-4,5-diphenylimidazole (2 g), tetrahydro-furan (100 ml), water (100 ml) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (10 ml) was stirred at 90° C. for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was evaporated to remove tetrahydrofuran and the aqueous was extracted with diethyl ether (3×75 ml). The extracts were combined and washed with water (3×75 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Column chromatography on silica gel (dichloro-methane/methanol) gave 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-2-(5-formylpentyl)-4,5-diphenyl-imidazole (0.93 g, 50%) as a colourless oil. Found: C, 70.62; H, 7.88; N, 5.32; S, 6.34%; C₂₉ H₃₆ N₂ SO₃ requires: C, 70.70; H, 7.37; N, 5.39; S, 6.51%

EXAMPLE 50 Sodium 6-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)hexanesulphonate

A mixture of 1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-one (6.25 g), dibromohexane (24.4 g) and potassium carbonate (5.53 g) in dry butanone (300 ml) was heated at reflux temperature for 24 hours. The mixture was cooled and the flitrate evaporated to an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel (hexaneyethyl acetate) to give 1,4,5-triphenyl-2-(6-bromohexyloxy)-imidazole (2.8 g, 29%) as a white solid, m.p. 87°-9° C.

NMR d (CDCl₃) 1.3-1.9 (8H, m, 5×CH₂), 3.4 (2H, t, --CH₂ Br), 4.5 (2H, t, --CH₂₀), 7.0-7.6 (15H, m, 3×pH) ppm.

1,4,5-Triphenyl-2-(6-bromohexyloxy)imidazole (0.95 g) was dissolved in hot ethanol (5 ml ) and a solution of sodinto sulphito (0.25 g) in hot water (3 ml) was added. The white suspension was heated at reflux for 24 hours then evaporated to dryness. The residue was recrystallised from ethanol then methanol/ethanol to give sodinto 6-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)hexane-sulphonate (0.15 g, 15%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 265° C. Found: C, 64.22; H, 5.51; N, 5.32; S, 6.24%C₂₇ H₂₇ N₂ NaO₄ S+1.2% H₂ O+0.5% EtOH; Requires: C, 64.20; H, 5.57; N, 5.52; S, 6.32%.

EXAMPLE 51 Sodium 7-(1,4,5-tripheny]imidazol-2-yloxy)heptanesulphonate

A mixture of 1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-one (15.3 g), dibromoheptane (50.6 g) and potassium carbonate (13.8 g) was heated at reflux temperature in dry butanone (750 ml) for 20 hours. The mixture was cooled, filtered and the flitrate evaporated to an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel (hexane/ethyl acetate) to give 1,4,5-triphenyl-2-(7-bromoheptyloxy)imidazole (5.0 g, 21%) as a white solid, m.p. 97°-9° C.

NMR d ! CDC₁₃) 1.3-1.9 (10H, m, 5×CH₂), 3.4 (2H, t, --CH₂ Br), 4.5 (2H, t, --CH₂₀), 7.0-7.6 (15H, m, 3×Ph) ppm.

A solution of 1,4,5-triphenyl-2-(7-bromoheptyloxy)-imidazole (2.0 g) in ethanol (10 ml) was refiuxed with a solution of sodium sulphite (0.55 g) in water (5 ml) for 20 hours. More sodi,,m sulphite (0.2 g) in water (1 ml) was added and refiuxed a further 20 hours. The mixture was evaporated to dryness, boiling ethanol added and filtered hot. Chromatography of the flitrate on silica gel (dichloromethane/methanol 5:1) followed by crystallisation from ethanol/isopropanol gave sodium 7-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)heptanesulphonate (0.3 g, 15%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 246-8° C. Found: C, 64.47; H, 5.85; N, 5.09; S, 5.50%; C₂₈ H₂₉ N₂ Na04S +2% isopropanol +2% water; Requires: C, 64.19; H, 5.96; N, 5.25; S, 6.01%.

EXAMPLEl 52 Ethyl 7-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)heptanemethyl-phosphinate

A solution of 1,4,5-triphenyl-2-(7-bromoheptyloxy)-imidazole (1.75 g) and diethyl methylphosphonite (2.45 g) in toluene (10 ml) was heated at reflux temperature for 48 hours. Methanol and water were added and the mixture evaporated to an oil. This was chromatographed on silica gel (ethyl acetate/ethanol). The resulting oil slowly crystallised and was triturated with ether/petroleum ether, filtered then recrystallised from ethanol/ether to give ethyl 7-(1,4,5-triphenyl-imidazol-2-yloxy)heptane-methylphosphinate (1.06 g, 57%) as a white solid, m.p. 101°-2° C. Found: C, 72.05; H, 7.26; N, 5.52%; C₃₁ H₃₇ N₂ O₃ P; Requires: C, 72.07; H, 7.22; N, 5.42%.

EXAMPLE 53 Diethyl 7-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)heptanephosphonate

A mixture of 1,4,5-triphenyl-3-(7-bromoheptyl)-imidazol-2-one (1.0 g) and triethyl phosphite (1.66 g) was heated at reflux temperature in xylene (5 ml) for 40 hours. The solution was evaporated to an oil and re-evaporated from ethanol. The oil was partitioned between ether and water, the ether solution was separated, dried over magnesium sulphate and evaporated to an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel (ethyl acetate) to give diethyl 7-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yl-oxy)heptanephosphonate as an oil which solidified on standing to a white solid (0.83 g; 75%), m.p. 76°-7° C. Found: C, 70.49; H, 7.40; N, 4.94%; C₃₂ H₃₉ N₂₀₄ P; Requires: C, 70.31; H, 7.19; N, 5.12%.

EXAMPLES 54 and 55 7-(3.4.5-Triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihvdroimidazol-1-yl)heptanonitrile; and 7-(1.4.5-Triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)heptanonitrile

1,4,5-TriphenylimidazoI-2-one was treated with 7-bromo-heptanonitrile and potassium carbonate in bumone to give after chromatographic work-up 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)heptanonitrile, m.p. 100°-101° C., Found: C, 79.7; H, 6.6; N, 9.8%; C₂₈ H₂₇ N₃ O requires: C, 79.9; H, 6.4; N, 10.0%; and 7-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)heptanonitrile, m.p..93°-94° C., Found: C, 79.5; H, 6.6; N, 9.7%; C₂₈ H₂₇ N₃ O requires: C, 79.9; H, 6.4; N, 10.0%.

EXAMPLES 56 AND 57 1-(7-M ethoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole; and 2-(7-MethoxycarbonylheptyI)-4,5-diphenyltriazole

A solution of 8-bromooctanoic acid (8.32 g) and sodinto hydroxide (1.49 g) in water (50 ml ) was added to solution of4,5-diphenyltriazole (7.5 g) (Chem. Ber., 1970, 103, 1908-17) and sodium hydroxide (1.36 g) in water (75m1) and the mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 21 hours.

2N Aqueous hydrochloric acid (50 ml) was carefully added to the cooled reaction and then extracted with diethyl ether (3×100 ml). The ether extracts were combined, washed with water (100 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to give a mixture of 1(2)-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (12.2 g) as an oil.

The above mixture (12.2 g), p-toluene sulphonic acid, monohydrate (1.2 g) and methanol (250 ml) were heated at reflux through a soxhlet extractor containing 4A molecular sieves for 3.5 hours. The methanol was removed in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (250 ml), washed with saturated sodinto hydrogen carbonate solution (200 ml), water (200 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesi,,rn sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with dichloromethane gave 1-(7-methoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (Example 56) (2.4 g, 19.4%) and 2-(7-methoxycarbonyl-heptyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole. (Example 57) (3.2 g, 25.2%) as oils.

Example 56 found: C, 72.85; H; 7.23; N, 10.93%

Example 57 found: C, 73.08, H; 7.20; N, 11.00%

C₂₃ H₂₇ N₃ O₂ requires: C, 73.18; H, 7.21; N, 11.13%

EXAMPLE 58 1-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole

1-(7-Methoxycarbonylheptyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (1g) was treated with 2N sodium hydroxide in aqueous ethanol at reflux temperature for 2.5 hours. The ethanol was removed in vaCuo and the residual mixture acidified with 2N aq HCl. The aqueous solution was extracted with ethyl acetate and the organic extracts combined, dried over magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Recrystallisation from ethanol and water gave 1-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (0.61 g, 64%) as a white solid, m.p. 103°-104° C. Found: C, 72.66; H, 6.92; N, 11.44%

C₂₂ H₂₅ N₃ O₂ requires: C, 72.70; H, 6.93; N, 11.56%

EXAMPLE 59 2-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole

2-(7-Methoxycarbonylheptyl)4,5-diphenyltriazole (1 g) was reacted with 2N sodium hydroxide in a method similar to Example 58. Recrystallisation from ethanol and water gave 2-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (0.76 g, 79%) as a white solid, m.p. 86°-88° C.

Found: C, 72.70; H, 6.94; N, 11.47%

C₂₂ H₂₅ N₃ O₂ requires: C, 72.70; H, 6.93; N, 11.56%

EXAMPLE 60 2-(8-Carboxyoctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole

a) A mixture of 4,5-diphenyltriazole (11 g), 1,8-dibromooctane (67.6 g), and potassium carbonate (10.31 g) in dry butanone (300 ml ) was heated at reflux temperature for 24 hours. The mixture was filtered and the solvent evaporated to give an oily residue. Distillation to remove 1,8-dibromooctane and column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a hexane:ethyl acetate gradient gave 2-(8-bromooctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-triazole (11.13 g, 54%) as an oil. NMR d (CDCl₃) 1.2-1.5 (8H, m, 4×CH₂), 1.84 (2H, m, CH₂), 2.05 (2H, m, CH₂), 3.37 (2H, t, Br-CH₂), 4.47 (2H, t, N-CH₂), 7.3- 7.6 (10H, m, 2×Ph) ppm

b) 1-(8-Bromooctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole

4,5-Diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole was treated with 1,8-dibromooctane and potassinm carbonate in butanone to give after chromatographic work up the title compound, m.p. 90°-91° C, Found: C, 64.0; H, 6.5; N, 10.1; Br, 19.8%; C₂₂ H₂₆ BrN₃ requires: C, 64.1; H, 6.4; N, 10.2; Br, 19.4%.

And 1-(8-bromooctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (2.12 g, 10.3%) as a white solid, m.p. 90°-91° C. after recrystallisation from hexane.

Found: C, 64.01; H, 6.47; N, 10.09; Br, 19.84%;

C₂₂ H₂₆ BrN₃ requires C, 64.08; H, 6.36; N, 10.19; Br, 19.38%

NMR d (CDCl₃) 1.1-1.5 (8H, m, 4×CH₂), 1.65-1.9 (4H, m, 2×CH₂), 3.37 (2H, t, Br--CH₂), 4.20 (2H, t, NCH₂), 7.2-7.55 (10H, m, 2×Ph) ppm

c) 2-(8-Bromooctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (7 g) in dimethylsulphoxide (220 ml) was added to a suspension of sodium cyanide (1 g) in dimethylsulphoxide (60 ml) over 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 1 hour and at 50° C. for 2 hours. The cooled reaction mixture was poured into water (600 ml), extracted with diethyl ether (4 ×200 ml). The extracts were combined, washed with water (100 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a hexane:ethyl acetate gradient gave .2-(8-cyanooctyl)-4,5-diphenyl-triazole (5.6 g, 92%) as an oil.

Found: C, 75.13; H, 7.16; N, 15.24%;

C₂₃ H₂₆ N₄ 0.5H₂ O requires: C, 75.18; H, 7.41; N, 15.25.

d) 2-(8-Cyanooctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (3.0 g) was treated with sulphuric acid (50 ml) and water (50 ml) and the mixture heated at reflux temperature for 4 hours. Water (200 ml) was added and the cooled mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×75 ml), and the organic extracts combined and evaporated to give a solid. Recrystallisation from ethanol and water gave 2-(8-carboxyoctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (2.37 g, 75%) as a white solid m.p. 84-85° C. Found: C, 72.92; H, 7.20; N, 11.07%;

C₂₃ H₂₇ N₃ O₂ requires: C, 73.18; H, 7.21; N, 11.13%.

EXAMPLE 61 1-(8-Carboxyoctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole

a) 1-(8-Bromooctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (ex. example 60a) (1.8 g) was reacted with sodium cyanide in a method similar to Example 60b). Work-up and recrystallisation from dichloromethane and hexane gave 1-(8-cyanooctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (1.16 g, 74.4%) as a white solid, m.p. 77-8° C. Found: C, 77.03; H, 7.25; N, 15.35%; C₂₃ H₂₆ N₄ requires: C, 77.06; H, 7.31; N, 15.63%.

b) 1-(8-Cyanooctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (0.9 g) was treated with sulphuric acid in a method similar to Example 60a. Work-up and recrystallisation from ethanol and water gave 1-(8-carboxyoctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (0.58 g, 64%) as a cream solid, m.p. 86°-87° C. Found: C, 73.10; H, 7.23; N, 10.82%; C₂₃ H₂₇ N₃ O₂ requires: C, 73.18, H, 7.21, N, 11.13%.

EXAMPLE 62 2-(8-Ethoxycarbonyloctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole

A mixture of 2-(8-carboxyoctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (1 g), absolute alcohol (100 ml) and concentrated sulphuric acid (1 ml) was heated at reflux temperature for 3 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo, the residue dissolved in diethyl ether (100 ml), washed with water (50 ml), dried and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluted with a hexane:ethyl acetate to give 2-(8-ethoxy-carbonyloctyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (0.81 g, 76%) as an oil. Found: .C, 73.84; H, 7.78; N, 10.22%; C₂₅ N₃₁ N₃ O₂ requires: C, 74.04; H, 7,71; N, 10.36%.

EXAMPLE 63 2-(6-Ethoxycarbonylhexyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole

4,5-Diphenyltriazole (2.0 g) and ethyl 7-bromo-heptanoate (1.5 g) were reacted in a method similar to Example 60. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a hexane:ethyl acetate gradient gave 2-(6-ethoxy-carbonylhexyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (1.1 g, 46%) as an oil.

Found: C, 73.10; H, 7.45; N, 11.11%

C₂₃ H₂₇ N₃ O₂ requires C, 73.18; H, 7.21; N, 11.13%;

EXAMPLE 64 2-(6-Carboxyhexyl)4,5-triphenyltriazole

2-(6-Ethoxycarbonylhexyl)-4,5-diphenyltriazole (0.7 g) was reacted with sodium hydroxide in a method similar to Example 58. Recrystallisation from ethanol and water gave 2-(6-carboxyhexyl)4,5-triphenyltriazole (0.41 g, 63%) as white needles, m.p. 88°-89° C.

Found: C, 71.30; ILI, 6.54; N, 11.73%;

C₂₁ H₂₃ N₃ O₃ 0.2 H₂₀ requires: C, 71.44; H, 6.68; N, 11.90%.

EXAMPLE 65 2-(7-Carboxyheptyl)-4,5-diphenyloxazole

a) A. mixture of benzoin (26.15 g), 8-bromooctanoic add (25.0 g), 4-dimethylaminopyridlne (1.35 g), 1,3-dicyclo-hexylcarbodiimide (25.4 g) and dry tetrahydrofuran (350 ml) was stirred under nitrogen at room temperature for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered and the flitrate was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (350 ml), washed with 5% aqueous hydrochloric acid (3×175 ml), saturated sodi-m hydrogen carbonate solution (2×200 ml), saturated sodinto chloride solution (220 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a hexane: dichloromethane gradient gave a yellow oil. This oil was stirred in hexane to give 2-oxo-1,2-diphenyl-ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (27.1 g, 52.7%) as a pale yellow solid m.p. 60°-61° C.

NMR d (CDCl₃) 1.2-1.9 (10H, m, 5×CH₂), 2.46 (2H, m, CH₂ C═O), 3.4 (2H,t, BrCH₂), 6.86 (1H, s, PhCH), 7.35-7.95 (10H, m, 2×Ph) ppm.

b) A mixture of the above ester (26.8 g), ammonium acetate (19.4 g) and glacial acetic acid (500 ml) was stirred at 80° C., under nitrogen, for 2 hours. The glacial acetic acid was removed in vacuo and water. (1000 ml) was added. The aqueous was extracted with dichloromethane (3×250 ml). The organic extracts were combined, washed with water (200 ml), saturated sodium chloride solution (200 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with dichloromethane gave 1-(7-bromoheptyl)-4,5-diphenyloxazole (14.09 g, 55%) as an oil.

NMR d (CDC₁₃) 1.4 (6H, m, 3x CH₂), 1.87 (4H, m, 2×CH₂), 2.85 (2H, t, N═CCH₂), 3.41 (2H, t, BrCH₂), 7.3-7.7 (10H, m, 2×Ph) ppm.

c) 2-(7-Bromoheptyl)-4,5-diphenyloxazole (13.8 g) in dimethylsulphoxide (80 ml) was added over 45 minutes to a mixture of sodium cyanide (1.87 g) in dimethylsulphoxide (80 ml). The reaction was stirred at 50° C. for 2 h, cooled and poured into water (500 ml ). The aqueous was extracted with diethyl ether (4×250 ml). The ether extracts were combined, washed with water (250 ml), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Column chromatography on silica gel eluted with a hexane: dichloromethane gradient gave 2-(7-cyanoheptyl)-4,5-diphenyloxazole (4.89 g, 41%) as an oil. Found: C, 80.20; H, 7.02; N, 8.13%; C₂₃ H₂₄ N₂ O requires: C, 80.31; H, 7.18; n, 8.16%;

d) 2-(7-Cyanoheptyl)-4,5-diphenyloxazole (2.5 g) was reacted with sulphuric acid in a method similar to Example 60c. Recrystallisation from ethanol and water gave 2-(7-carboxyheptyl)-4,5- diphenyloxazole (1.1 g, 41.7%) as a cream solid, m.p. 82°-83° C. Found: C, 76.07; H, 6.99; N, 3.79%;

C₂₃ H₂₅ NO₃ requires: C, 76.00; H, 6.93; N, 3.85%.

EXAMPLES 66 & 67 8-(3,4-Diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)octanoic acid, and 8-(4,5-Diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)octanoic acid

a) Formyldeoxybenzoin (10 g) was suspended in ethanol (50 ml ) and hydrazine hydrate (5 ml) added giving an orange solution which warmed to 40° C. This solution was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours and the solvent evaporated. The resulting oil was taken up in dichloromethane and washed with dilute hydrochloric acid (pH 2) and water, dried over potassium carbonate and evaporated to an orange solid. This was boiled in ether, cooled and filtered giving 3,4-diphenylpyrazole (5.64 g, 57%) as pale yellow crystals, m.p. 155°-6° C.

NMR d (CDCl₃) 7.2-7.5 (10 H, m, 2×Ph), 7.6 (1H, s, pyraz 5-H) ppm

b) A mixture of 3,4-diphenylpyrazole (2.2 g), ethyl 8-bromooctanoate (5.5 g) and potassium carbonate (3.7 g) in dry butanone (50 ml) was heated at reflux temperature for 44 hours. The mixture was filtered and the flitrate evaporated to an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel (hexane/ethyl acetate). The oil obtained was heated at reflux temperature in a mixture of ethanol and 2N sodium hydroxide (1:1) for 1 hour. The ethanol was evaporated and the aqueous residue was acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid to pH 3, extracted with dichloromethane, dried over magnesium sulphate and evaporated to a solid..This was recrystallised from dichloromethane/ether to give 8-(3,4-diphenylpyrazol-1-yl)octanoic acid (0.48 g, 13%) as colourless crystals, m.p. 114°-5° C. Found: C, 76.02; H, 7.25; N, 7.63%; C₂₃ H₂₆ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 76.21; H, 7.23; N. 7.73%

c) The mother liquor from above was evaporated to an oil which was chromatographed on silica gel (dichloromethane/methanol) giving a solid which was recrystallised from ether/petroleum ether to give 8-(4,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-yl).octanoic acid (0.15 g, .5%) as colourless crystals, m.p. 94°-5° C. Found: C, 76.53; H, 7.26; N, 7.82% C₂₃ H₂₆ N₂ O₂ requires: C, 76.21; H, 7.23; N, 7.73%

EXAMPLE 68 2-(9-Hydroxynonyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole

4,5-Diphenyl-1,2,3-triazole was treated with 9-bromononan-1-ol and potassium carbonate in butanone to give after chromatography the title compound as a light brown oil. Found: C, 76.0; H, 8.2; N, 11.2% C₂₃ H₂₉ N₃₀ requires: C, 76.0; H, 8.0; N, 11.6%.

EXAMPLE 69 Ethyl 3-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)propionate

1,4,5-Triphenylimidazole-2-one was treated with ethyl 3-bromo-propionate and potassinm carbonate in butanone to give after work-up the title compound. m.p. 111°-112 ° C. Found: C. 76.0;H, 5.9;N, 6.7%;C₂₆ H₂₄ N₂ O₃ requires:C, 75.7;H, 5.9;N, 6.8%

EXAMPLES 70 & 71 Ethyl 5-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)valerate; and Ethyl 5-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)valerate

1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-one was treated with ethyl 5-bromovalerate and potassinm carbonate in butanone to give after chromatographic work-up ethyl 5-(3,4,5,-triphenyl-2-oxo 2,3-dihydroimidzol-1-yl)valerate, m.p. 78°-80° C., Found: C, 76.7;H, 6.6;N, 6.4%; C₂₈ H₂₈ N₂ O₃ requires: C, 76.3;H, 6.4;N, 6.4% and ethyl 5-(1,4,5-triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)valerate, m.p. 95°-96° C., Found: C, 76.5;H, 6.5; N, 6.3%; C₂₈ H₂₈ N₂ O₃ requires: C, 76.3;H, 6.4;N,6.4%

EXAMPLE 72 Ethyl 6-(3-methyl-4,5-diphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)-5-hexanoate

1-Methyl-4,5-dipenylimidazol-2-one was treated with ethyl 6-bromo-hexanoate and potassium carbonate in butanone to give after work-up the title compound, m.p. 93°-94° C. Found: C, 73.7;H, 7.1; N, 6.9%; C₂₄ H₂₈ N₂ O₃ requires: C, 73.4; H, 7.2; N, 7.1%

EXAMPLE 73 Ethyl 8-(4,5-diphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)octanoate

4,5-Diphenylimidazol-2-one was treated with ethyl 8-bromooctanoate and potassium carbonate in butanone to give after work-up the title compound, m.p. 78°-79° C, Found:C, 73.7;H, 7.4;N, 6.7%;C₂₅ H₃₀ N₂ O₃ requires: C, 73.9;H, 7.4;N, 6.9%

EXAMPLE 74 9-(3,4,5-Triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)nonanoic acid

1,4,5-Triphenyli.midazol-2-one was treated with ethyl 9-bromononanoate and potassium carbonate in butanone, followed by sodium hydroxide in ethanol and water, to give after work-up the title compound, m.p. 123°-124° C., Found:C, 76.9;H, 6.9;N, 5.7%;C₃₀ H₃₂ N₂ O₃ requires:. C, 76.9; H, 6.9; N, 6.0%

EXAMPLE 75 Methyl 7-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)-5-heptynoate

1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-one was treated with methyl 7-bromo-5-heptynoate and potassium carbonate in butanone to give after work-up the title compound, m.p. 133°-134° C. , Found: C, 76.9; H, 5.8; N, 6.0%; C₂₉ H₂₆ N₂ O₃ requires: C 77.3; H, 5.8; N, 6.2%

EXAMPLE 76 Ethyl 8-(4-phenylimidazol-1-yl)octanoate

4-Phenylimidazole was treated with ethyl 8-bromooctanoate and potassium carbonate in butanone to give after work-up the title compound, m.p. 56°-57° C., Found: C, 72.8; H, 8.4; N, 9.0%; C₁₉ H₂₆ N₂ O₂ Requires: C, 72.6; H, 8.3;N, 8.9%

EXAMPLE 77 8-(4-5-Diphenylimidazol-2-ylthio)octanoic acid

4,5-Diphenyl-2-imidazolethiol was treated with ethyl 8-bromooctanoate and potassium carbonate in butanone, followed by sodiun hydroxide in ethanol and water, to give after work-up the title eompound, m.p. 154°-56° C., Found: C, 70.0;H, 6.4;N, 7.2;S, 7.9%; C₂₃ H_(26N) ₂ O₂ S Requires: C, 70.0; H, 6.6; N, 7.1; S, 8.1%

EXAMPLE 78 & 79 11-(2,3-Diphenylmaleimido)undecanoic acid; and 8-(2,3-Diphenylmaleimido)undecanoic acid

2,3-Diphenylmaleic anhydride was treated with 11-aminoundecanoic acid and triethylaminue in toluene at reflux temperature to give after work-up the title compound, m.p. 124°-125° C., Found: C, 74.5; H, 7.1; N, 3.2% C₂₇ H₃₁ NO₄ ; requires: C, 74.8; H, 7.2; N, 3.2%.

and in a similar manner with 8-aminoundecanoic acid yields m.p. 107°-108° C., Found C,73.7;H, 6.6; N, 3.5; C₂₄ H₂₅ N₀₄ requires: C, 73.6; H, 6.5, N 3.6%.

EXAMPLE 80 8-(1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)octanoic acid

1,4,5-Triphenyl-2-chloroimidzole was treated with 8-hydroxyoctanoic acid and sodium hydride in dimethylformamide to give the title compound, m.p. 158°-159° C., Found: C, 75.3; H, 6.6;N, 6.0%; C₂₉ H₃₀ N₂ O₃ ·0.43H₂ O Requires: C, 75.3;H, 6.7; N, 6.0%

EXAMPLE 81 Ethyl 6-(3,4,5-triphenyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydromidazol-1-yl)hexanoate

A mixture of 1,4,5 triphenylimidazole (6.24 g), ethyl 6-bromohexanoate (13.38 g), potassium carbonate (13.2 g) and 2-butanone was stirred at reflux for 6 hours. The mixture was filtered, and the flitrate was evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluted with ethanol-hexane to give the title compound (5.61 g) m.p. 104°-106° C. Found: C, 76.35; H, 6.58; N, 6.07%; (C₂₉ H₃₀ N₂ O₂ O₃) Requires: C, 76.63; H, 6.65; N, 6.16%

EXAMPLE 82 8- (1,4,5 -Triphenylimi dazol-2-yloxy)octanamide

8-(1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-yloxy)octanoic acid was treated with thionyl chloride followed by ammonia to give the title compound, m.p. 152.5°-153.5° C., Found: C, 76.6; H, 7.0; N, 9.1%: C₂₉ H₃₁ N₃ O₂ requires: C, 76.8; H, 6.9; N, 9.3%

EXAMPLE 83 11-(3,4,5-Triphenyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroimidazol-1-yl)undecanoic acid

1,4,5-Triphenylimidazol-2-one was treated with ethyl 9-bromo-undecanoate and potassium carbonate in butanone, followed by sodium hydroxide in ethanol and water, to give after work-up the title compound, m.p. 83°-84° C. Found: C, 77.5; H, 7.3; N, 5.4%; C₃₂ H₃₆ N₂ O₃ requires: C, 77.4; H, 7.3; N, 5.6%

The remaining compounds disclosed herein can be produced in an analagous manner to Examples 1 to 83 as described above or are readily ascertainable to one skilled in the art.

Key (for FIG. 1)

AA-CoA SynTase; Arachidonic acid CoA synthetase

AA-CoA Tase; Arachidonic acid CoA transferase

CoA-IT; CoA-independent transacylase

PLA2; phospholipase A2

Acetyl-CoA Tase; Acetyl CoA: lyso PAF transferase

AA; arachidonic acid

CO; cyclooxygenase

5-LO; 5-lipoxygenase

PGs; prostaglandins

TXs; thromboxanes

LT; leukotrienes

The above description fully discloses the invention including preferred embodiments thereof. Modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed herein are within the scope of the following claims. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. Therefore, the Examples herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and not a limitation of the scope of the present invention in any way. The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of screening compounds for potential activity against lipid mediator formation which method comprises1) preparing a membrane for testing of a compound for CoA-IT; 2) measuring CoA-IT activity of said compound; 3) preparing an inflammatory cell for testing; 4) treating the prepared cell preparation with said compound to be tested; 5) measuring the amount of PAF formed and/or the amount of arachidonic acid released; and 6) correlating the ability of said compound to inhibit CoA-IT activity and the ability of said compound to inhibit the formation of lipid mediators of inflammation to direct selection of novel anti-inflammatory compounds. 